Adaptive timing synchronization for reception for bursty and continuous signals

ABSTRACT

There are provided examples of receivers, controller units and related methods, wherein one receiver includes: an adjustable sample provider configured to provide samples of an input signal using an adjustable sample timing; a feedback path configured to provide a feedback signal to the adjustable sample provider on the basis of a timing error, wherein the feedback path includes a loop filter configured to provide sample timing information to the adjustable sample provider; and a replacement value provider configured to provide a replacement sample timing information replacing the sample timing information provided by the feedback path when an input signal does not fulfil a predetermined requirement for a feedback-based sample timing adaptation, wherein the replacement value provider is configured to provide the replacement sample timing information considering a timing error information, or a quantity derived from the timing error information, over a longer time period when compared to a time period considered by the loop filter for a provision of the sample timing information.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of copending InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP2018/074349, filed Sep. 10, 2018, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and additionallyclaims priority from European Application No. EP 17 192 257.8, filedSep. 20, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

In the following, different inventive embodiments, examples and aspectswill be described.

Also, further embodiments will be defined by the enclosed claims.

Embodiments as defined by the claims can be supplemented by any of thedetails (features and functionalities) described in the followingchapters.

Embodiments described in the following chapters can be usedindividually, and can also be supplemented by any of the features inanother chapter, or by any feature included in the claims.

Individual aspects described herein can be used individually or incombination. Thus, details can be added to each of said individualaspects without adding details to another one of said aspects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure describes, explicitly or implicitly, features ofa mobile communication device and of a receiver and of a mobilecommunication system. Thus, any of the features described herein can beused in the context of a mobile communication device and in the contextof a mobile communication system (e.g. comprising a satellite).Therefore, disclosed techniques are suitable for all fixed satelliteservices (FSS) and mobile satellite services (MSS).

Moreover, features and functionalities disclosed herein relating to amethod can also be used in an apparatus. Furthermore, any features andfunctionalities disclosed herein with respect to an apparatus can alsobe used in a corresponding method. In other words, the methods disclosedherein can be supplemented by any of the features and functionalitiesdescribed with respect to the apparatuses.

Also, any of the features and functionalities described herein can beimplemented in hardware or in software, or using a combination ofhardware and software, as will be described in the section“implementation alternatives”.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention may also be referred to asexamples.

INTRODUCTION

A wireless receiver needs to be synchronized to a receive signal inorder to decode it. A timing loop is an approach for synchronizing tocontinuous signals. For bursty signals however, it is possible to freezethe loop-feedback when no signal is present.

A first part (first aspect) of the invention refers, e.g., to additionalmeans to the loop-feedback to enhance the open loop accuracy so thatquick re-synchronization with little offset results. These additionalmeans may imply the calculation of an accurate replacement value atnumerically controlled oscillator (NCO)-input and control of theloop-feedback path depending on freezing is set ON or OFF. A lowcomplexity embodiment is proposed and proven to achieve the sameaccuracy as the alternative large complexity embodiment.

A second part of the invention (second aspect) refers, e.g., to how thefreezing signal is generated. The generation of the freezing signal maybe used independently from the first aspect or in combination with thefirst aspect. According to the invention, a freezing controller mayevaluate information from a power-level detection method and/or aknown-sequence detector (e.g. via correlation). Having both and theknowledge of the burst-size granularity, the freezing controller canadaptively switch between the continuous signal reception mode or thebursty signal reception mode. In the latter case, the two detectionmethods may be used to identify and schedule the appropriateconfiguration for switching to freeze or not.

A third part (third aspect) regards an auxiliary module to the dataframe synchronization. It may compensate and tackle a problem resultingfrom the quick timing loop re-synchronization at the beginning of eachbursty signal reception. After re-convergence of the timing loop thereis an uncertainty very few symbols w.r.t. the expected data framinggrid. Thus, this module “Framing Verification and Correction” mayestimate this offset and compensate for it.

SUMMARY

An embodiment may have a controller unit for recognizing a transmissionto be received, wherein the controller unit is configured to: perform adetermination whether a power of a receive signal, or a quantity derivedfrom the power, lies within a limited interval, and recognize atransmission to be received based on the determination that the power ofthe receive signal, or the quantity derived from the power, lies withinthe limited interval, and recognize different power levels of thereceive signal, or of the quantity derived from the power, and periodsof time during which the different power levels are present, so as torank the different time periods to recognize the time periods for thetransmission to be received and/or to re-configure a receiverdifferently for different time periods.

According to another embodiment, a method for recognizing a transmissionto be received may have the steps of: determining if a power of areceive signal, or a quantity derived from the power lies within alimited interval, and recognizing a transmission to be received based onthe determination that the power of the receive signal, or the quantityderived from the power, lies within the limited interval recognizingdifferent power levels of the receive signal, or of the quantity derivedfrom the power, and periods of time during which the different powerlevels are present, so as to rank the different time periods torecognize the time periods for the transmission to be received and/or tore-configure a receiver differently for different time periods.

Another embodiment may have a non-transitory digital storage mediumhaving a computer program stored thereon to perform the method forrecognizing a transmission to be received, the method having the stepsof: determining if a power of a receive signal, or a quantity derivedfrom the power lies within a limited interval, and recognizing atransmission to be received based on the determination that the power ofthe receive signal, or the quantity derived from the power, lies withinthe limited interval recognizing different power levels of the receivesignal, or of the quantity derived from the power, and periods of timeduring which the different power levels are present, so as to rank thedifferent time periods to recognize the time periods for thetransmission to be received and/or to re-configure a receiverdifferently for different time periods, when said computer program isrun by a computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will be detailed subsequentlyreferring to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1: shows an example of a system with a transmitter and receivers.Time slots are distributed to different service areas via beam-hoppingsatellite system.

FIGS. 2A and 2B: show terminal-side receive signal scenarios withmultiple illuminations.

FIG. 3: shows a timing loop with an added freezing controller accordingto the prior art.

FIG. 4: shows a power detection using a threshold-based detectorevaluating min/max power.

FIG. 5: shows a power detection using a slope-based detector.

FIG. 6: shows a block scheme of receiver signal processing of areceiver, illustrating in particular a timing loop with replacementvalue calculation and a freezing controller evaluating power detectiondata.

FIG. 6a : shows a flow chart diagram of a timing loop

FIG. 6b : shows a filtering and/or averaging according to an example

FIG. 6c : shows components according to an example.

FIG. 6d : shows a variant of the example of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6e : shows an example of a receiver.

FIG. 7: shows a power detection using power level detection.

FIG. 7a : shows an enhanced power detection and analysis by means of anadditional threshold check to identify significant change in power.

FIG. 7b : shows an example of power level.

FIG. 7c : shows a method according to an example.

FIG. 7d : shows a table stored in a memory unit according to an example.

FIG. 8: shows a block scheme of a component of a receiver signalprocessing of a receiver. The component includes a “Framing Verificationand Correction” block after the module “Preamble Detector” in the block“Further data processing”.

FIGS. 9 and 10: shows different detection cases of a correct frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Transmission and Signal Reception Scenarios

It is a global trend to have faster and more flexible communication allover the world. Terrestrial networks are well suited for serving denselypopulated areas. However, this trend will include oceans, sky, diverseand sparsely populated areas as well—a satellite communication scenariothat may be enveloped in its requirements. In order to optimally adaptthe technology to changing traffic demands over time and location, anovel beam-hopping concept has been introduced. In contrast to thequasi-static illumination in a conventional multi-beam satellite system,the satellite switches its beams on and off according to a specificschedule, which is derived from the traffic demands and the userterminal locations. The gains in terms of system capacity optimizationand better matching the traffic demands are shown in [1] and [2].

The upcoming Eutelsat Quantum-Class Satellite is a software definedKu-band satellite that offers in-orbit flexibility in all theoperational parameters of the payload including service area definition,frequency plan and power allocation [3]. It also supports thebeam-hopping function which will provide a presence over the visibleearth as seen by the satellite with great flexibility in capacityallocation. It is believed to be the first open standard beam-hoppingsystem and will support independent beam hopping networks [4]. Thesystem, due for service in 2019, utilises rapid and seamlessbeam-forming reconfiguration that can be applied to a variety ofapplications such as mobility, disperse geographical areas and emergencyand Governmental services.

In order to run, for example, such a system, a suitable waveform plays amajor role. A suitable one is the super-framing specification of therecently released DVB-S2X standard [5]. A corresponding applicationexample is shown in FIG. 1, where a satellite 102 (transmitter) servesthree service areas 104, 106, 108 (e.g., geographically distinguishedterrestrial areas) according to a beam-switching time plan (BSTP) 121.

The concept of BSTP may be understood as a generalization of ascheduling plan: time is subdivided into periodic time slots ofindividual duration per each particular coverage area, and each timeslot is in turn subdivided into a plurality of super-frames. Each timeslot may be an illuminated time slot (or period) or a non-illuminatedtime slot. Each receiver in the coverage area is meant at receiving abeam signal from the transmitter during an illuminated time slot. Eachreceiver in the coverage area is in general not meant at receiving abeam from the transmitter during a non-illuminated time slot. Thedefinition of the BSTP is in general performed to optimize thetransmission from the transmitter to the receivers in order to meet datatraffic demands, which vary over time and location.

The definition of the particular BSTPs 121 may result from the differentamounts of remote terminals (receivers) 110, 112, 108 per service area104, 106, 108 and therefore different traffic demand. Consequently,different numbers of super-frames are transmitted to the differentservice areas (e.g., on the basis of a switching activity performed bythe satellite 102). Since the demands change over time and location, ascheduler at the gateway 116 calculates new BSTPs 121 and forwards(e.g., by signalling) the obtained switching schedule (e.g., BTSPs) tothe satellite 102 (or other device which will be the transmitter). Asfound in [6], the so-called super-framing formats 2, 3, and 4 are readyto use for beam-hopping systems. (In some examples, the gateway may beintegrated in the transmitter.) In FIG. 1, showing a system 100, thesatellite 102 (e.g., receiving communications form a gateway 116 and/orfollowing the chosen BTSPs) directs a beam 120 towards the remoteterminals 110 at coverage area 104 during time slots 120′; beam 122towards the remote terminals 112 at coverage area 106 during time slots122′; and a beam 124 towards the remote terminals 114 at coverage area108 during time slots 124′. For each of the remote terminals, the timeslots in which it receivers the beam from the transmitter areilluminated time slots. For the terminals 110, time slots 120′ areilluminated time slots, while time slots 122′ and 124′ arenon-illuminated time slots to the terminals 110. In some examples, thetime slots 120′, 122′, 124′ are meant at not being superposed with eachother realizing a time multiplex. Therefore, it is in generaladvantageous that the terminals 110 are able to reliably distinguish theilluminated time slots 120′ from the non-illuminated time slots 122′ and124′.

A satellite such as the satellite 102 may support several beam-hoppingnetworks, i.e. several systems such as system 100.

Note that the transmission example in FIG. 1 represents only onepossible example among a multitude of possible system configurations. Animportant feature of the concept lies in the ability to re-configurenearly arbitrarily to best meet the traffic demands. Fortunately, onecan count on the granularity of illumination duration to be a multipleof super-frames duration. The satellite works based on time slots andwill have a supported granularity of e.g. 1 μs in order to be freelyconfigurable and provide support of a large variety of symbol rates.However, the applied waveform used for data transmission offers agranularity based on the super-frame duration or the described baselinesuper-frame duration. The terminal exploits the waveform features. Notethat other framing concepts and conventions than the super-framing canbe applied as well. E.g., one can specify cascaded super-framedurations, where there is a short baseline super-frame duration and theother super-frame durations are multiples of this baseline super-frameduration.

From the remote terminal (110, 112, 114) perspective, four receptionscenarios can occur in a beam-hopping satellite system w.r.t. onecarrier frequency:

-   -   Repetitive illumination receiving signal of one beam (for one        service area or coverage), which corresponds to the case shown        in FIG. 1. As may be seen in FIG. 1, the start 120 a (or 122 a,        124 a) and the end 120 b (or 122 b, 124 b) of the illuminations        correspond with the start and the end of the receptions: the        receiver 110, for example, does not receive a beam 122 or 124        directed towards another area. Notably, there may be problems        for the timing of the receiver when the receiver is not        illuminated.    -   Repetitive illumination receiving signal of multiples beams (for        different service areas or coverages). For smooth handover of        terminals, neighboring coverages can be subjected to a small        overlap. Consequently, the terminal at edge of coverage can        receive the illuminations of at least two beams as shown in FIG.        2A. For example, beam C (which is, correctly, meant to be        received by a particular receiver during the illuminated slot        220 formed by the super-frames SF7 and SF8) is received at        maximum power P₂; However, beam D (which is actually meant to be        received by a different neighboring service area during the slot        222 formed by the super-frames SF9 and SF10) is also received,        even if at a power level P₁ which is smaller than P₂. It is        noted that at the end 220 b of the illumination by beam C, which        also corresponds to the start 222 a of the illumination by beam        D, only a slight reduction in power P₂-P₁ occurs. This        phenomenon can result in undesired effects: a receiver may want        to avoid to receive unnecessary transmissions. By avoiding the        decoding of undesired transmissions, for example, power        consumption could be reduced. On the other hand, reception could        be advantageous to enhance the terminal synchronization        exploiting the unintended transmissions, which may have, for        example, a high signal to noise (SNR) ratio. It has been noted,        however, that exploiting the unintended transmissions needs also        more sophisticated synchronization procedures to cope with this        challenge. If the terminal synchronization procedures are not        aware of this scenario, they can get confused and terminal        synchronization would fail.    -   Continuous illumination with one signal is the other extreme.        All users are in one service area (coverage area) e.g. a fleet        of ships and only beam-forming is used to adapt the beam        steering. Therefore, the optimum configuration is to permanently        illuminate the service area.    -   No illumination. This happens when all terminals are off and no        demand is stated. However once, the first terminal in a service        area is switched on. Then a secondary system control channel may        be used by the terminal to demand illumination, e.g., by        signalling the request to the transmitter (e.g., satellite 102).        After that, the gateway 116 (e.g. informed by the satellite 102)        will define super-frames adapted to the communications with the        first terminal and will issue a BSTP update including the new        coverage area. After this, the first terminal will therefore        operate according to one of the scenarios above.

The length of each illumination can change with a BSTP update and theduty cycle of illumination.

Problems and Challenges

From the terminal (110-114) point of view, a major problem is to achievean accurate timing (re-) synchronization, to be robust enough to handleall the above stated scenarios. Initial coarse acquisition can beaccomplished also quite straight forward. At end of illumination (e.g.,120 b, 122 b, 124 b, 220 b) all the synchronization algorithms may haveconverged and offsets may have been compensated. However, a challengelies rather in immediate re-synchronization when illumination startsagain (e.g., at 120 a, 122 a, 124 a), to continue with payload datademodulation after a potentially present preamble sequence. The neededaccuracy lies in the order of fractions of a symbol duration, i.e. thetiming or sampling phase. Sampling phase offsets generateself-interference, which can lead to data demodulation errors.

Having a close look to the immediate re-synchronization, another issuehas been identified. During the timing re-synchronization at the startof illumination, the preamble sequence detection marks thestart-of-burst and (re-)initialize the data framing tracker. Thistracker marks the different data fields and payload data framesaccording to the burst structure. Since timing re-synchronization andpreamble sequence detection may run in parallel, there is an uncertaintyof very few symbols w.r.t. the framing grid (expected from previousbursts by signaling or history and/or common burst structure). Due toimpairments like noise, there is a chance/probability that the timingre-synchronization converges to a steady state symbol grid, which is+/−1 or +/−2 symbols away from the expected symbol-precise data framinggrid. This can occur since the convergence time can be in the same orderor even longer than the duration of the start-of-burst preamble sequenceand its detection. If uncompensated, this symbol offset yields datademodulation and decoding errors of the whole burst.

A further problem is to have a suitable and dependable detectionstrategy for determining the start and end of illumination. The latterinformation shall reliably be estimated and signalled to other functionsand/or or equipment like those managing the timing synchronization. Ifstart of illumination is erroneously determined too early, only noisesamples, instead of data, are processed and the synchronization isdisturbed. If start of illumination is determined late, valuablesynchronization data are lost, and time, because not exploited forre-synchronization, is wasted. Again data demodulation errors and dataloss are the consequence.

Another aspect is the demand for wideband communication, i.e. high-speeddata transmission. This comes from the time-multiplex approach of thedata transmission. If a conventional system serves each of e.g. 10service areas permanently with 30 MHz symbol rate, then a beam-hoppedsystem needs a 300 MHz wide carrier shared into 10 illumination timeslots in order to achieve the same throughput. In consequence, theterminal has to support a considerable processing power to cope with thehigh data throughput during illumination.

Solutions in the Prior Art and Their Shortcomings

There are two conventional concepts to deal with the main problem statedabove. However, both show some short comings, which are overcome byexamples according to aspects of the invention.

-   -   1. Detect & Buffer:        -   This concept applies first a detection stage, where start            and end of illumination is detected. Non-data-aided (NDA)            power detection based algorithms can be used for this and/or            data-aided (DA) known-sequence detection (e.g. by            correlation). Based on this detection and decision received            data samples are stored in a buffer. Coarse and fine            synchronization (w.r.t. timing and frequency) and all            further processing are made based on the buffered data.            Thanks to this storage, the synchronization processing can            work iteratively/recursively on the buffered data to refine            the offset compensation.    -   2. Freezing timing loop during absent illumination:        -   The timing loop concept as shown in the signal processing            300 of FIG. 3 is a standard approach to synchronize the            sampling offset in a recursive way. Different configurations            and processing rules concerning the modules “timing            interpolator” 304, “automated gain control (AGC)” 312,            “timing error detector (TED)” 332, and “loop filter” 336 can            be found in standard literature like [7] and [8]. A matched            filter 308 is also used.        -   The timing interpolator 332 does resampling of input data            302 according to the control signal of the feedback path 330            from the loop filter 336. With the loop filter 336 the            adaptation rate and dynamic characteristics of the whole            loop can be influenced. This filter 336 has normally a            low-pass and averaging character to smooth the instantaneous            timing errors/offsets calculated in the TED 332. This            principle works fine for continuous signal reception. After            an initial convergence of this control loop, it provides            accurate re-sampling to compensate for timing offsets            (sampling phase and sampling frequency) thanks to permanent            re-adjustment via the feedback path 330.        -   A freezing controller 350 holds the adaptation processes            constant once freezing is switched ON. This may be needed if            no illumination or too weak illumination is present.

Concept 1 seems appealing to be a practical solution for this problem.However, it may potentially need very large buffers to handle also longilluminations. It may also suffer from throughput limitations w.r.t.support of different scenarios and worst-case system configuration likea continuous signal reception. So this approach is more suitable formiddle to lower symbol rates and rather low duty cycles. These low dutycycles refer to either a conventional burst mode reception scenario, sothat only the own data frame is received and not a complete super-framewith other user data as well, or a sufficiently long illuminationabsence duration in combination with only on or a few super-frames perillumination.

Concept 2 is in principle applicable under the condition that thefreezing controller works accurately in order to not compromise thealready achieved offset compensation. However, in depth investigationsturn out that the control signal of the feedback path of the timing loopshows too much jitter. This is an issue since the last value will befrozen and is kept constant over the whole time of illumination absence.Therefore, the actual error of the value accumulates since no updates ofthe loop can be made. In consequence, re-synchronization at start ofillumination will start at a random amount of symbols off the expectedgrid so that the preamble/known sequence will be located at anon-expected point in time w.r.t. the assumed sampling.

Power detection methods seem to be straight forward. And the termdetection does not specify exactly what is detected. Intuitively, onewould aim for detecting the rising edge and the falling edge of the(potentially averaged) receive power. Two classical approaches areanalyzed in the following:

-   -   Threshold-based power detector:        -   From the averaged receive power signal the minimum and            maximum power is determined over an observation time.            Thresholds are then calculated from these min/max power            values for rising edge detection and falling edge detection.            This procedure can be iterated to tracking slightly change            receive power over time.    -   Slope-based power detector:        -   The slope is calculated from the averaged receive power            signal by means of a differential signal, i.e. subtracting            power values of time distance Δ. Once the power changes            significantly, there will be a peak in the differential            signal, which can be checked against a threshold.

Below simulation results of these two types are provided for a singleillumination at SNR=−3 dB (assumed worst SNR to be expected). In FIG. 4and FIG. 5 a threshold-based detector and a slope-based detector areconsidered, respectively. In both cases, first an averaging of theinstantaneous power values is made because the fluctuation of theinstantaneous power values would be too high. Here, averaging isimplemented by infinite impulse response (IIR)-filters, where twoconfigurations w.r.t. averaging depth are compared: IIR1 and IIR2. FIGS.4 and 5 indicate detection of power high/low. However, other methodslike linear averaging are in principle possible as well.

In FIG. 4, maximum and minimum mean power values are determined fromIIR2 because of more precision due to strong averaging (“PW max (IIR2)”,“PW min (IIR2)”). From this the threshold values are calculated “Thresh(IIR1)” and “Thresh (IIR2)”. This detection was successful for bothevaluated IIR configurations because of considering the scenario ofreceiving only a single beam. However, tests in different scenarios asthose shown in FIG. 2A reveal that different beam signals cannot bedistinguished properly, which leads to missing rise or fall detections.As a consequence, massive effort for case handling and error detectionwould be needed.

In FIG. 5, the differential signal is calculated based on IIR1 usingΔ=2048 samples. It is shown fluctuating around zero. Although peaks 502and 504 in the differential signal can be, at least theoretically,observed and detected, there is some chance (e.g., under low SNR) thatthe detection is not successful. This is due to the noise enhancingnature of differential signal calculation. This unreliable detectionperformance becomes even more severe in multiple beam scenarios as shownin FIG. 2A: when transitioning from 220 to 222 (220 b), the magnitude ofthe peak 504 will be reduced by an amount which is not extremely large,and there arises the undesired possibility that the peak 504 is confusedwith the noise.

For the problem of unexpected symbol offset after timingre-synchronization convergence, the two traditional approaches performdifferently. Concept 1 will not exhibit this problem at all since theiterative/recursive refinement of the synchronization will compensateautomatically. This is because synchronization quality is measured aftereach refinement iteration yielding detection of the symbol offset.Concept 2 in its straight-forward implementation will offer only aframing grid detection by means of the preamble sequence detection. Sothere are no counter-measures in concept 2 to treat the problem ofunexpected symbol offset adequately.

In conclusion, the straight forward or conventional approaches do notsolve the problems adequately.

Citation of Prior Art Documents

US 2002/0186802 A1 discloses a method for adaptively adjustingparameters of a timing loop. A loop filter obtains a phase error from aphase detector. The loop filter comprises a first gain or scaling stage(having an initial gain α) and a second gain stage (having an initialgain β). The timing loop parameters α and β may be modified on the basisof the difference between the average frequency error and the currentfrequency error being below or above a predetermined threshold.

US 2014/0312943 A1 discloses a phase locked loop, PLL.

US 2015/0002198 A1 discloses a PLL which may operate in a normal mode orin a speed mode. The speed mode is activated, for example, when themagnitude of the difference between the current phase error value and avalue stored in a memory is less than a threshold.

However, the prior art fasil to address the problems discussed above.For example, the prior art does not permit to distinguish between acorrectly illumination scenario and an incorrect illumination scenario.Further, the prior art does not permit to avoid freezing a timing valueduring non-illumination periods.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance to aspects, there is provided a receiver, comprising:

-   -   an adjustable sample provider configured to provide samples of        an input signal using an adjustable sample timing;    -   a feedback path configured to provide a feedback signal to the        adjustable sample provider on the basis of a timing error,        wherein the feedback path comprises a loop filter configured to        provide sample timing information to the adjustable sample        provider; and    -   a replacement value provider configured to provide a replacement        sample timing information replacing the sample timing        information provided by the feedback path when an input signal        does not fulfil a predetermined requirement for a feedback-based        sample timing adaptation,    -   wherein the replacement value provider is configured to provide        the replacement sample timing information considering a timing        error information, or a quantity derived from the timing error        information, over a longer time period when compared to a time        period considered by the loop filter for a provision of the        sample timing information.

In accordance to aspects, there is provided a receiver, comprising

-   -   an adjustable sample provider configured to provide samples of        an input signal using an adjustable sample timing;    -   a feedback path configured to provide a feedback signal to the        adjustable sample provider on the basis of a timing error,        wherein the feedback path comprises a loop filter configured to        provide sample timing information to the adjustable sample        provider; and    -   a replacement value provider configured to provide a replacement        sample timing information replacing the sample timing        information provided by the feedback path when an input signal        does not fulfil a predetermined requirement for a feedback-based        sample timing adaptation;    -   wherein the replacement value provider is configured to        temporally smoothen sample timing information provided by the        loop filter and/or loop filter-internal timing information, in        order to obtain the replacement sample timing information.

The replacement value provider may be configured to average sampletiming information provided by the loop filter and/or timing errorinformation and/or a quantity derived from the timing error informationover a period of time which is longer than a period of time for whichtiming error information is considered by the loop filter to provide acurrent sample timing information.

The replacement value provider may be configured to filter or averageover a longer time period when compared to loop filter, in order toprovide the replacement sample timing information.

The loop filter may be a low pass filter and may be configured toperform an equally weighted averaging or an averaging puttingcomparatively smaller weight on past input values when compared tocurrent input values.

The replacement value provider may be configured to perform linearaveraging by means of equal or different weights for the input values ofsample timing information provided by the loop filter, and/or timingerror information, and/or a quantity derived from the timing errorinformation.

The replacement value provider may be configured to select samples ofthe sample timing information to perform filtering or averaging on theselected samples.

The replacement value provider may be configured to perform an analysisof the signal so as to adaptively select samples of the timing errorinformation, or of a quantity derived from the timing error informationto perform filtering or averaging on the selected samples,

-   -   wherein the receiver is configured to reduce a distance between        the selected samples and/or to increase a number of the selected        samples for signals having a comparatively higher noise when        compared to signals having a comparatively smaller noise.

The replacement value provider may be configured to adaptively selectsamples to perform filtering or averaging on the selected samples, so asto increase the averaging gain for an averaging length or filter length.

The replacement value provider may be configured to use a downsampledversion to perform filtering or averaging on the downsample version.

The replacement value provider may be configured to use a downsampledversion of the timing error information, or a quantity derived from thetiming error information to perform filtering or averaging on thedownsample version,

-   -   so that the sampling rate of the downsampled version is at a        first sampling rate which is between 100 times and 10000 times,        or between 500 times and 2000 times, slower than a sampling rate        of the timing error information or a quantity derived from the        timing error information.

The replacement value provider may be configured to selectively considersamples of the timing error information, or of a quantity derived fromthe timing error information for the provision of the replacement timinginformation,

-   -   such that a current replacement timing information is obtained        on the basis of samples of at least two different considered        time periods of the input signal during which the input signal        fulfils a predetermined condition.

The replacement value provider may be configured to select samples ofthe timing error information, or a quantity derived from the timingerror information, based on configuration data and/or a lookup table independence on a configuration or in dependence on a communicationscenario.

The replacement value provider may be configured to adaptively selectsamples of the timing error information, or a quantity derived from thetiming error information for the derivation of the replacement sampletiming information on the basis of an analysis of the timing errorinformation, or of a quantity derived from the timing error information.

The receiver may be configured to increase the loop gain and/or loopfilter characteristic for an initial transitory interval.

The receiver may be configured to re-configure the loop gain/loop filtercharacteristic during operation on the basis of changed receptionconditions.

The receiver may be configured to increase the loop gain and/or loopfilter characteristic of the loop filter for a signal with acomparatively higher signal to noise ratio, SNR, with respect to asignal with a comparatively lower SNR, and/or to decrease the loop gainand/or loop filter characteristic of the loop filter for a signal with acomparatively lower SNR with respect to a signal with a comparativelyhigher SNR.

The receiver may be configured to switch between a feedback mode inwhich the feedback signal from the feedback path is provided to theadjustable sample provider, and a replacement value provision mode inwhich the replacement sample timing information is provided to theadjustable sample provider.

The receiver may be configured to switch to

-   -   an intermediate mode in which intermediate values are provided        to the adjustable sample provider, the intermediate values being        obtained as values between the values of the feedback signal and        the replacement sample timing information,    -   the switching is from the feedback mode to the intermediate mode        and from the intermediate mode to the replacement value        provision mode, and/or    -   the switching is from the replacement value provision mode to        the intermediate mode and from the intermediate mode to the        feedback mode.

The receiver may be configured, in the intermediate mode, to provideintermediate replacement sample timing information to smoothen thetransition from the feedback mode to the replacement value provisionmode and/or vice versa.

The receiver may be configured to provide reconfiguration informationand/or data from the replacement value provider to the loop filter.

In accordance to aspects, there is provided a controller unit forrecognizing a transmission to be received,

wherein the controller unit may be configured:

-   -   to perform a determination whether a power of a receive signal,        or a quantity derived from the power, lies within a limited        interval, and    -   to recognize a transmission to be received based on the        determination.

The controller unit may be configured to identify whether the receivesignal comprises a previously determined power level.

The controller unit may be configured to determine how long the power ofthe receive signal, or the quantity derived from the receive signal,lies within the limited interval, in order to recognize a length of atleast one limited time period during which the receive signal comprisesa power level.

The controller unit may be configured to check whether the recognizedlength of the limited time period during which the receive signal maycomprise the power level fulfils a predetermined condition, in order tosupport the recognition of a transmission to be received.

The controller unit may be configured to recognize different powerlevels of the receive signal, or of the quantity derived from the power.

The controller unit may be configured to track durations during whichthe different power levels are present, to derive a power levelscheduling information.

The controller unit may be configured to check whether a current powerlevel lies within a limited interval, interval boundaries of which aredetermined on the basis of the previously derived power level schedulinginformation.

The controller unit may be configured to selectively switch a receiveror a processing or components of the receiver or of the processing to areduced-power-consumption mode on the basis of the derived power levelscheduling information.

The controller unit may be configured to recognize different powerlevels of the receive signal, or of the quantity derived from the power,and periods of time during which the different power levels are present,so as to rank the different time periods to recognize the time periodsfor the transmission to be received and/or to re-configure the receiverdifferently for different time periods.

The controller unit may be configured to recognize different powerlevels of the receive signal, or of the quantity derived from the power,so as to choose, as the time period for the transmission to be received,a time period with comparatively higher power level with respect to atime period with comparatively lower power level.

The controller unit may be configured to store time informationcharacterizing time portions of different levels of the receive signal,and to store information on the power levels of the receive signal, orthe quantity derived from the power,

-   -   and wherein the controller unit is configured to recognize, in        subsequent instants, time periods associated to the transmission        to be received on the basis of at least the stored time        information.

The controller unit may include a special activation mode, “exploitother illumination”, based on the detection of different illuminationpower levels and qualification of the other illumination(s).

The controller unit may be configured to determine the start and/or theend of a period of a transmission to be received on the basis of thepower level.

The controller unit may be configured to decode and/or detect at leastone information encoded in the receive signal, so as to determine thestart and/or the end of a period of a transmission to be received.

The controller unit may be configured to recognize the start and/or theend of the period of the transmission to be received by a redundant orsupporting technique comprising at least one of:

-   -   detecting a slope in the power under or over a predetermined        threshold;    -   using time information obtained with previous power level        determinations;    -   decoding a particular information encoded in received signal;        and/or    -   detecting quality information or deducing it from other modules;    -   using data signalled from and/or commands from a transmitter.

The controller unit may be configured to recognize and/or dynamicallydefine at least one power level on the basis of the determination thatat least two consecutive power samples lie within limited intervalsassociated with a particular power level.

The controller unit may be configured to determine:

-   -   as a first condition, if a current sample of a power of a        receive signal, or of a quantity derived from the power, lies        within an interval determined by a first preceding sample of the        power of a receive signal, or of the quantity derived from the        power, and    -   to determine, as a second condition, if the current sample of        the power of a receive signal, or of the quantity derived from        the power, also lies within an interval determined by a second        preceding sample of the power of a receive signal, or of the        quantity derived from the power, and    -   the controller unit may be configured to recognize a        continuation of a power level if both the first condition and        the second condition are fulfilled.

The controller unit may be configured to tolerate a predetermined numberof consecutive samples of the power of the receive signal, or of thequantity derived from the power, which do not fulfil the first conditionand/or the second condition without recognizing an end of a power level,

and to recognize an end of a power level if more than the predeterminednumber of consecutive samples of the power of the receive signal, or ofthe quantity derived from the power, do not fulfil the first conditionor the second condition.

The controller unit may be configured to also determine whether acurrent sample of a power of a receive signal, or of a quantity derivedfrom the power, lies outside of a tolerance interval, which is largerthan an interval determined by a directly preceding sample of the powerof the receive signal, or of the quantity derived from the power, andthe controller unit may be configured to recognize an end of a powerlevel when the current sample of the power of a receive signal, or ofthe quantity derived from the power, lies outside of the toleranceinterval for the first time.

The controller unit may be configured to operate according at least afirst and a second operational mode, wherein in at least one of thefirst and second operational modes the controller unit may be configuredto perform at least one of the following techniques:

-   -   determining if a power of a receive signal, or a quantity        derived from the power lies within a limited interval;    -   verifying if a power is determined at an expected time period;    -   decoding or detecting a particular information encoded in the        signal to be received;    -   checking quality information;    -   checking a fulfilment of criteria according to information        signalled from a transmitter;    -   detecting whether a slope in the power is under or over a        predetermined threshold;    -   wherein the controller unit is configured to use at least one        different technique in the first operational mode with respect        to the second operational mode.

The controller unit may be configured to operate according to at leasttwo operational modes:

-   -   a first mode in which the controller unit determines if a power        of the receive signal, or the quantity derived from the power,        lies within a limited interval, without considering information        encoded in the signal; and    -   a second mode in which the controller unit both:        -   determine if a power of the receive signal, or the quantity            derived from the power, lies within a limited interval; and        -   verify the correctness of the determination on the basis of            whether information encoded in the received signal is            compliant to a recognition of a transmission to be received            on the basis of the power.

The controller unit may be configured to derive or obtain, from anautomatic gain control, AGC, and/or matched filter a quantity derivedfrom the power.

The controller unit wherein the quantity associated to the power may bean infinite impulse response, IIR,-filtered version of a powerinformation.

The controller unit may be configured to perform an initializationprocedure to obtain parameters associated to at least one or acombination of:

-   -   power so as to determine at least one power level to be        subsequently used to recognize a transmission to be received;    -   time information;    -   quality information;

wherein the controller unit may be configured to analyze a temporalevolution of the power, or of the quantity derived from the power, overa period of the receive signal in order to perform the initialization,or to receive a signalled information in order to perform theinitialization.

The controller unit may be configured to adaptively modify a lowerinterval boundary value and an upper interval boundary value for thepower on the basis of historical values of the power.

The controller unit may be configured to control the receiver.

The controller unit may be configured to control the receiver of aboveand/or below so as to select between:

-   -   a first status, in which the feedback path provides the feedback        signal to the adjustable sample provider; and    -   a second status, in which the replacement value provider        provides the replacement sample timing information to the        adjustable sample provider.

The controller unit may be configured to control the receiver of atleast one of the above and/or below so as to determine the predeterminedrequirement to be fulfilled by the input signal.

The controller unit may be configured to control the receiver of atleast one of the above and/or below so as to select that:

-   -   the feedback path provides the feedback signal to the adjustable        sample provider when the controller unit may recognize that the        transmission is to be received; and/or    -   the replacement value provider may provide the replacement        sample timing information to the adjustable sample provider when        the controller unit recognizes no transmission or that the        transmission is not a transmission to be received.

The receiver may further comprise the controller unit of any aboveand/or below.

In accordance to aspects, a system may comprise a transmitter and areceiver, the receiver being according to any of the above and/or below,the transmitter being configured to transmit a signal to the receiver.

In accordance to aspects there is a system wherein the transmitter maybe a satellite.

The system wherein the transmitter may be configured to performtransmission according to a scheduling transmission and/or according toa beam-switching time plan, BSTP, transmission,

-   -   wherein the scheduling and/or BSTP may be defined so that for at        least one first interval the signal is intended to be        transmitted to the receiver, and for at least one second        interval the signal is not intended to be transmitted to the        receiver.

The system may comprise a plurality of receivers, wherein thetransmitter may be configured to temporarily direct a particular beam toan intended receiver according to a scheduling and/or BSTP, so that thesignal power is temporarily increased in the direction of the intendedreceiver.

The receiver may be configured to use the feedback signal at thedetermination that the transmission is directed to the receiver, and touse the replacement sample timing information at the non-determinationof a transmission from the transmitter and/or at the determination thatthe transmission is not for the receiver.

The transmitter may be configured to operate according to at least:

-   -   a bursty signal condition, in which different beams are directed        to different receivers, and a    -   continuous signal condition, in which a beam is continuously        directed to a receiver.

A method for receiving an input signal, may comprise:

-   -   processing samples of the input signal using an adjustable        sample timing;    -   adapting the sample timing on the basis of feedback signal based        on a timing error, wherein the feedback signal is obtained using        a loop filter which provides sample timing information; and    -   providing a replacement sample timing information replacing the        sample timing information provided with the feedback signal when        the input signal does not fulfil a predetermined requirement for        a feedback-based sample timing adaptation,    -   wherein the replacement sample timing information is obtained        considering a timing error information, or a quantity derived        from the timing error information, over a longer time period        when compared to a time period considered by the loop filter for        a provision of the sample timing information.

A method for receiving an input signal, may comprise:

-   -   processing samples of the input signal using an adjustable        sample timing;    -   adapting the sample timing on the basis of feedback signal based        on a timing error, wherein the feedback signal is obtained using        a loop filter which provides sample timing information; and    -   providing a replacement sample timing information replacing the        sample timing information provided with the feedback signal when        the input signal does not fulfil a predetermined requirement for        a feedback-based sample timing adaptation;    -   wherein the replacement sample timing information is obtained by        temporally smoothening sample timing information provided by the        loop filter, in order to obtain the replacement sample timing        information.

A method for recognizing a transmission to be received, which maycomprise:

-   -   determining if a power of a receive signal, or a quantity        derived from the power lies within a limited interval, and    -   recognizing a transmission to be received based on the        determination.

A method may comprise:

-   -   the method above and/or below; and    -   wherein the provision of the feedback signal and the provision        of the replacement sample timing information of the method above        and/or below may be controlled by the method above and/or below.

A computer program which, when executed by a processor, may perform atleast one of the methods above and/or below.

In accordance to aspects there is provided a receiver, comprising a dataprocessor configured to:

-   -   find:        -   a first frame candidate at an expected position; and        -   at least one second frame candidate shifted from the first            frame candidate for a predetermined offset;    -   evaluate properties of the first frame candidate and of the at        least one second frame candidate;    -   identify the correct frame on the basis of the evaluation.

The receiver may be configured to:

-   -   perform cross correlation processes between:        -   each frame candidate; and        -   a known sequence of symbols,    -   so as to identify the correct frame on the basis of the cross        correlation processes.

The receiver may be configured to:

-   -   demodulate and/or decode a frame header of the first and second        frame candidates;    -   re-modulate and/or re-encode the sequence of symbols; and    -   perform the cross correlation processes between:        -   each frame candidate frame header; and        -   the re-modulated and/or re-encoded version of the frame            candidate frame header,    -   so as to identify the correct frame on the basis of the cross        correlation processes.

The receiver may be configured to:

-   -   perform a correction procedure to frame symbols and/or start/end        of frame signalling to compensate for the detected temporal        offset between the frame symbols and the frame signalling.

The receiver may be configured to:

-   -   perform an evaluation operation on the results of the        correlation processes so as to validate the correct frame.

The receiver may be configured to:

-   -   compare each of the cross correlation results associated to each        frame candidate with a first threshold, to validate the correct        frame if the correct frame is the unique frame candidate        associated to a correlation value larger than the first        predetermined threshold.

The receiver may be configured to:

-   -   compare each of the cross correlation results associated to each        frame candidate with a larger threshold and a smaller        predetermined threshold, to refrain from validating the correct        frame if at least a predetermined number of frame candidates is        associated to cross correlation values within the larger        predetermined threshold and the smaller predetermined threshold;        and    -   notify an error at the verification that the predetermined        number of frame candidates is associated to cross correlation        values larger than the larger predetermined threshold and at        least a predetermined number of frame candidates is associated        to a cross correlation value smaller than the smaller        predetermined threshold.

The receiver may be configured to:

-   -   compare each of the cross correlation results associated to each        frame candidate with a larger predetermined threshold and a        smaller predetermined threshold, to refrain from validating the        correct frame if at least a predetermined number of frame        candidates is associated to cross correlation values larger than        the larger predetermined threshold and at least a predetermined        number of frame candidates is associated to a cross correlation        value smaller than the smaller predetermined threshold; and    -   notify an error at the verification that the predetermined        number of frame candidates is associated to cross correlation        values larger than the larger predetermined threshold and at        least a predetermined number of frame candidates is associated        to a cross correlation value smaller than the smaller        predetermined threshold.

In accordance to aspects, there is provided a receiver, comprising:

-   -   an adjustable sample provider [e.g. timing interpolator]        configured to provide samples of an input signal using an        adjustable sample timing [for example, determined by the sample        timing information];    -   a feedback path [e.g. TED, Loop Filter] configured to provide a        feedback signal to the adjustable sample provider [e.g. timing        interpolator] on the basis of a timing error [e.g. determined by        a timing error detector], wherein the feedback path comprises a        loop filter configured to provide sample timing information to        the adjustable sample provider [wherein the loop filter may for        example filter or average timing error values provided by the        timing error detector]; and    -   a replacement value provider configured to provide a replacement        sample timing information replacing the sample timing        information provided by the feedback path when an input signal        does not fulfil a predetermined requirement [e.g., a requirement        associated to the absence of illumination, and/or on the basis        of a control exerted by a controller, e.g., on the basis of        power and/or power level associated to the input signal and/or        on the basis of a particular sequence encoded in the input        signal] for a feedback-based sample timing adaptation,    -   wherein the replacement value provider is configured to provide        the replacement sample timing information considering a timing        error information, or a quantity derived from the timing error        information, over a longer time period when compared to a time        period considered by the loop filter for a provision of the        sample timing information.

In accordance to examples, there is a provided a receiver, comprising

-   -   an adjustable sample provider [e.g. timing interpolator]        configured to provide samples of an input signal using an        adjustable sample timing [for example, determined by the sample        timing information];    -   a feedback path [e.g. TED, Loop Filter] configured to provide a        feedback signal to the adjustable sample provider [e.g. timing        interpolator] on the basis of a timing error [e.g. determined by        a timing error detector TED], wherein the feedback path        comprises a loop filter configured to provide sample timing        information to the adjustable sample provider [wherein the loop        filter may for example filter or average timing error values        provided by the timing error detector]; and    -   a replacement value provider configured to provide a replacement        sample timing information replacing the sample timing        information provided by the feedback path when an input signal        does not fulfil a predetermined requirement [e.g., a requirement        associated to the absence of illumination, and/or on the basis        of a control exerted by a controller, e.g., on the basis of        power and/or power level associated to the input signal and/or        on the basis of a particular sequence encoded in the input        signal] for a feedback-based sample timing adaptation;    -   wherein the replacement value provider is configured to        temporally smoothen [e.g. low-pass-filter order time average]        sample timing information provided by the loop filter and/or        loop filter-internal timing information, in order to obtain the        replacement sample timing information.

The replacement value provider may be configured to average sampletiming information provided by the loop filter and/or timing errorinformation and/or a quantity derived from the timing error informationover a period of time which is longer than a period of time for whichtiming error information is considered by the loop filter to provide acurrent sample timing information [time period considered by the loopfilter for a provision of the sample timing information][e.g. filterlength of a FIR filter used as the loop filter].

The replacement value provider may be configured to filter or averageover a longer time period when compared to loop filter

[for example, in that an impulse response of the replacement valueprovider to a value of the timing error information is longer than animpulse response of the loop filter to a value of the timing errorinformation; or in that the replacement value provider considers valuesof the timing error information over a first period of time forproviding a current replacement sample time information, while the loopfilter only considers values of the timing error information over asecond period of time, which is shorter than the first period of time,for providing a current sample time information] [wherein the loopfilter may, for example, be a low pass filter and consequently alsoperform an equally weighted averaging or an averaging puttingcomparatively smaller weight on past input values when compared tocurrent input values] in order to provide the replacement sample timinginformation.

The replacement value provider may be configured to perform linearaveraging by means of equal or different weights for the input values ofsample timing information provided by the loop filter, and/or timingerror information, and/or a quantity derived from the timing errorinformation [for example, the output of the loop filter, like the sampletiming information provided by the loop filter, or an internal orintermediate quantity available within the loop filter].

The replacement value provider may be configured to perform averagingwith equal weights of timing error information, or of a quantity derivedfrom the timing error information.

The replacement value provider may be configured to select samples[e.g., associated to particular snapshots] of the timing errorinformation, or of a quantity derived from the timing error informationwhich have a larger temporal spacing than the samples of the timingerror information, or of the quantity derived from the timing errorinformation [for example, the output of the loop filter, like the sampletiming information provided by the loop filter, or an internal orintermediate quantity available within the loop filter] to performfiltering or averaging on the selected samples [such that thereplacement value provider evaluates less samples per time unit than theloop filter].

The replacement value provider may be configured to perform an analysisof the signal [e.g. of the input signal to or a signal derived from theinput signal] so as to adaptively select samples [e.g., associated toparticular snapshots] of the timing error information, or of a quantityderived from the timing error information [for example, the output ofthe loop filter, like the sample timing information provided by the loopfilter, or an internal or intermediate quantity available within theloop filter] to perform filtering or averaging on the selected samples,

wherein the receiver is configured to reduce a distance between theselected samples and/or to increase a number of the selected samples forsignals having a comparatively higher noise when compared to signalshaving a comparatively smaller noise.

The replacement value provider may be configured to adaptively selectsamples [e.g., associated to particular snapshots] of the timing errorinformation, or of a quantity derived from the timing error information[for example, the output of the loop filter, like the sample timinginformation provided by the loop filter, or an internal or intermediatequantity available within the loop filter] to perform filtering oraveraging on the selected samples, so as to increase the average gainfor an averaging depth or filter length.

The replacement value provider may be configured use a downsampledversion [for example, sub-sampled version] of the timing errorinformation or of a quantity derived from the timing error information[e.g., associated to particular snapshots, e.g., adaptively] [forexample, the output of the loop filter, like the sample timinginformation provided by the loop filter, or an internal or intermediatequantity available within the loop filter] to perform filtering oraveraging on the downsample version.

The replacement value provider may be configured to use a downsampledversion [for example, sub-sampled version] [e.g., associated toparticular snapshots e.g., adaptively] of the timing error information[e.g., the output of the TED], or a quantity derived from the timingerror information [for example, the output of the loop filter, like thesample timing information provided by the loop filter, or an internal orintermediate quantity available within the loop filter] to performfiltering or averaging on the downsample version,

-   -   so that the sampling rate [or sample rate] of the downsampled        version is at a first sampling rate which is between 100 times        and 10000 times, or between 500 times and 2000 times, slower        than a sampling rate [or sample rate] of the timing error        information or a quantity derived from the timing error        information [for example, the output of the loop filter, like        the sample timing information provided by the loop filter, or an        internal or intermediate quantity available within the loop        filter].

The replacement value provider may be configured to vary a rate ofsamples [e.g., associated to particular snapshots e.g., adaptively] ofthe timing error information, or a of quantity derived from the timingerror information [for example, the output of the loop filter, like thesample timing information provided by the loop filter, or an internal orintermediate quantity available within the loop filter], which isprocessed by the replacement value provider to perform filtering oraveraging at least by a factor of 2 or at least by a factor of 8 or atleast by a factor of 16 or at least by a factor of 32 or at least by afactor of 64 and/or at least by a factor of a power of 2 [for example,in dependence on a signal-to-noise ratio of the input signal or independence on other criteria][wherein, for example, a total number ofsamples used by the replacement value provider in order to provide acurrent replacement sample timing information may be constant].

The replacement value provider may be configured to adaptively selectsamples [e.g., associated to particular snapshots] of the timing errorinformation, or a quantity derived from the timing error information[for example, the output of the loop filter, like the sample timinginformation provided by the loop filter, or an internal or intermediatequantity available within the loop filter] to perform filtering oraveraging on the selected samples between a lower sampling rate and ahigher sampling rate [ wherein the sampling rate is configurable and/orcontrolled so that its lower end is configured considering at least onecondition, such as the maximum illumination time, for example].

The replacement value provider may be configured to selectively consider[e.g. process, or average, or select] samples [e.g., associated toparticular snapshots] of the timing error information, or of a quantityderived from the timing error information [for example, the output ofthe loop filter, like the sample timing information provided by the loopfilter, or an internal or intermediate quantity available within theloop filter] for the provision of the replacement timing information,

such that a current replacement timing information is obtained on thebasis of samples of at least two different considered time periods ofthe input signal during which the input signal fulfils a predeterminedcondition [for example, the predetermined requirement or anotherrequirement] while skipping a time period which lies between twodifferent considered time periods and during which the input signal doesnot fulfil the predetermined condition [e.g., different time periodsand/or different values associated to different time periods, such asaverage or filter outputs associated to different time periods].

The replacement value provider may be configured to [e.g., adaptively]select samples [e.g., associated to particular snapshots] of the timingerror information, or a quantity derived from the timing errorinformation [for example, the output of the loop filter, like the sampletiming information provided by the loop filter, or an internal orintermediate quantity available within the loop filter], based onconfiguration data and/or a lookup table in dependence on aconfiguration or in dependence on a communication scenario.

The replacement value provider may be configured to adaptively selectsamples [e.g., associated to particular snapshots] of the timing errorinformation, or a quantity derived from the timing error information[for example, the output of the loop filter, like the sample timinginformation provided by the loop filter, or an internal or intermediatequantity available within the loop filter] for the derivation of thereplacement sample timing information on the basis of an analysis of thetiming error information, or of a quantity derived from the timing errorinformation [e.g., by correlation and/or autocorrelation].

The replacement value provider may be configured to adaptively selectsamples [e.g., associated to particular snapshots] of the timing errorinformation, or a quantity derived from the timing error information[for example, the output of the loop filter, like the sample timinginformation provided by the loop filter, or an internal or intermediatequantity available within the loop filter] to perform filtering oraveraging on the selected samples on the basis of at least one of or acombination of:

-   -   target signal to noise, SNR, ratio;    -   supported timing offset range;    -   supported carrier frequency offset range;    -   convergence speed requirements;    -   the scheme used for the time error detection;    -   data signal characteristics;    -   the used roll-off of the transmit-side pulse-shaping filter        and/or the used roll-off of a receiver-side matched filter.

The receiver may be configured to increase the loop gain and/or loopfilter characteristic for an initial transitory interval.

The receiver may be configured to re-configure the loop gain/loop filtercharacteristic during operation on the basis of changed receptionconditions [e.g. lower SNR than previously].

The receiver may be configured to increase the loop gain and/or loopfilter characteristic of the loop filter for a signal with acomparatively higher signal to noise ratio, SNR, with respect to asignal with a comparatively lower SNR, and/or to decrease the loop gainand/or loop filter characteristic of the loop filter for a signal with acomparatively lower SNR with respect to a signal with a comparativelyhigher SNR.

The receiver may be configured to switch between a feedback mode inwhich the feedback signal from the feedback path is provided to theadjustable sample provider, and a replacement value provision mode inwhich the replacement sample timing information is provided to theadjustable sample provider,

-   -   and an intermediate mode in which intermediate values are        provided to the adjustable sample provider, the intermediate        values being obtained as values between the values of the        feedback signal and the replacement sample timing information        [e.g., average values],    -   wherein the switching is from the feedback mode to the        intermediate mode and from the intermediate mode to the        replacement value provision mode, and/or    -   wherein the switching is from the replacement value provision        mode to the intermediate mode and from the intermediate mode to        the feedback mode.

The receiver may be configured, in the intermediate mode, to provideintermediate replacement sample timing information intermediate tosmoothen the transition from the feedback mode to the replacement valueprovision mode and/or vice versa.

The receiver may be configured to provide reconfiguration informationand/or data from the replacement value provider to the loop filter[e.g., to avoid a “signal jump” and/or to continue interpolation and/oradaptation with the replacement value as a baseline].

A controller (e.g., a controller unit) for recognizing a transmission tobe received, wherein the controller may be configured to perform adetermination whether a power of a receive signal, or a quantity derivedfrom the power [for example, a low-pass-filtered version of a powerlevel information], lies within a limited interval [for example, boundedby a lower interval boundary value and an upper interval boundary value;this may for example constitute an identification of a “power level” orof a “power range”], and to recognize a transmission to be receivedbased on the determination [whether a power of a receive signal, or aquantity derived from the power lies within a limited interval] [whereinthe limited interval may be dynamically defined, for example][ e.g., atleast one power level may be dynamically defined on the basis of thedetermination that at least two consecutive power samples lie withinlimited intervals associated with a particular power level].

The controller may be configured to identify whether the receive signalcomprises a previously determined power level [for example, a powerniveau][for example out of more than two power levels to bedistinguished, wherein the at least two power levels or niveaus may beassociated with different signal contents, different beams, differentreceivers . . . ].

The controller further may be configured to determine how long the powerof the receive signal, or the quantity derived from the receive signal[for example, a low-pass-filtered version of a power level information]lies within the limited interval, in order to recognize a length of atleast one limited time period [for example, a length of a signal burst,or a length of an illumination of a certain spatial region] during whichthe receive signal comprises a power level [e.g., by counting the numberof consecutive samples in the same power level and/or by analysing thetime distance between samples within a predetermined search time period][whether a power of a receive signal, or a quantity derived from thepower lies within a limited interval] [wherein the limited interval maybe dynamically defined, for example][ e.g., at least one power level maybe dynamically defined on the basis of the determination that at leasttwo consecutive power samples lie within limited intervals associatedwith a particular power level].

The controller may be configured to check whether the recognized lengthof the limited time period during which the receive signal comprises thepower level fulfils a predetermined condition [for example, is at leastapproximately a multiple of a scheduling granularity, or complies with atime schedule of a given transmission out of a plurality of differenttransmissions], in order to support the recognition of a transmission tobe received [for example, by allowing to recognize erroneousdetermination].

The controller further may be configured to recognize [for example,distinguish] different power levels [for example, more than 2 differentpower levels, of which one may be a noise power level and of which twoor more power levels may be associated with different beams or differenttransmissions] of the receive signal, or of the quantity derived fromthe power [for example, a low-pass-filtered version of a powerinformation].

The controller may be configured to track durations during which thedifferent power levels are present, to derive a scheduling information[for example, being configured to recognize that, within a predeterminedsearch time period, a plurality of samples are within a particular powerrange so as to recognize a particular power level].

The controller may be configured to check whether a current power lieswithin a limited interval, interval boundaries of which are determinedon the basis of the previously derived scheduling information.

The controller may be configured to selectively switch a receiver orcomponents of it to a reduced-power-consumption mode on the basis of thederived scheduling information [for example, for periods of time forwhich it is estimated, on the basis of the derived schedulinginformation, that there is no transmission to be received by thereceiver] [wherein the receiver may also be switched back to a “normal”reception mode form the reduced-power-consumption mode when atransmission to be received is expected on the basis of the derivedscheduling information].

The controller may be configured to recognize different power levels ofthe receive signal, or of the quantity derived from the power [forexample, a low-pass-filtered version of a power information], andperiods of time during which the different power levels are present, soas to rank the different time periods [for example, determine duringwhich periods of time there is the highest power level, the secondhighest power level, and so on] to recognize the time periods for thetransmission to be received [for example, by choosing the time periodduring which there is the highest power level].

The controller may be further configured to recognize different powerlevels of the receive signal, or of the quantity derived from the power[for example, a low-pass-filtered version of a power information], so asto choose, as the time period for the transmission to be received, atime period with comparatively higher power level [or a comparativelyhighest power level] with respect to a time period with comparativelylower power level.

The controller may be further configured to store time informationcharacterizing [or describing] time portions of different levels of thereceive signal, and to store information on the power levels of thereceive signal, or the quantity derived from the power [for example, alow-pass-filtered version of a power information],

and wherein the controller is configured to recognize, in subsequentinstants, time periods associated to the transmission to be received onthe basis of at least the stored time information.

The controller may be configured to also use the stored information onthe power level of the receive signal during different time portions forthe recognition of the time periods associated to the transmission to bereceived [for example, for setting interval boundaries].

The controller may be further configured to determine the start and/orthe end of a period of a transmission to be received on the basis of thepower level [for example, the low-pass-filtered version of a powerinformation].

The controller may be further configured to decode and/or detect atleast one information [e.g., a sequence and/or a preamble and/or aparticular bitstream] encoded in the receive signal, so as to determinethe start and/or the end of a period of a transmission to be received[for example, both the power level and the decoding may be used, and atransmission to be received may be recognized already when acharacteristic information has been decoded, even if the power is stillnot within the limited interval].

The controller may be further configured to receive signallingtransmissions from a transmitter regarding time information [e.g.,scheduling-related and/or BTSP-related information and/or modification]and/or lower interval boundary value and/or an upper interval boundaryvalue associated to at least one power level [e.g., range] [e.g. thecontroller being configured to obtain signalling transmissions so as tobe at least partially controlled by the signalling transmissions and/orobtain side-information].

The controller may be further configured to recognize the start and/orthe end of the period of the transmission to be received by a redundantor supporting technique comprising at least one [or a combination of atleast two] of:

detecting a slope in the power under or over a predetermined threshold[e.g., by determining that an increment in the detected power of thereceived signal in respect to the time is greater an upper threshold,indicating a fast increment of the lower, and/or by determining that anegative increment in the detected power of the received signal inrespect to the time is lower than a negative lower threshold, indicatinga fast decrease of the detected power];

using time information obtained with previous power level determinations[for example, to predict a time when the transmission to be received isexpected to start using a time extrapolation];

decoding [or detecting] a particular information [e.g., a sequenceand/or a preamble and/or a particular bitstream] encoded in receivedsignal; and/or

detecting quality information [e.g., signal to noise ratio] or deducingit from other modules [e.g. signal to noise ratio estimator];

using data signalled from and/or commands from a transmitter;

[e.g., so as to verify, on the basis of the redundant/supportingtechnique, the correctness of the determination based on the powerlevel].

The controller may be further configured to recognize and/or dynamicallydefine at least one power level on the basis of the determination thatat least two consecutive power samples lie within limited intervalsassociated with a particular power level.

The controller may be configured to determine, as a first condition, ifa current sample of a power of a receive signal, or of a quantityderived from the power, lies within an interval determined by a firstpreceding sample of the power of a receive signal, or of the quantityderived from the power [for example, an interval extending upward anddownward from the first preceding sample value], and to determine, as asecond condition, if the current sample of the power of a receivesignal, or of the quantity derived from the power, also lies within aninterval determined by a second preceding sample of the power of areceive signal, or of the quantity derived from the power [for example,an interval extending upward and downward from the second precedingsample value] [for example,p_(act)[i]∈[p_(act)[i−1]±p_(margin)]∩p_(act)[i]∈[p_(act)[i−2]±p_(margin)]],and

wherein the controller is configured to recognize a continuation of apower level if both the first condition and the second condition arefulfilled.

The controller may be configured to tolerate a predetermined number ofconsecutive samples [for example, 1 sample] of the power of the receivesignal, or of the quantity derived from the power, which do not fulfilthe first condition and/or the second condition without recognizing anend of a power level,

and to recognize an end of a power level if more than the predeterminednumber of consecutive samples of the power of the receive signal, or ofthe quantity derived from the power, do not fulfil the first conditionor the second condition.

The controller may be configured to also determine whether a currentsample of a power of a receive signal, or of a quantity derived from thepower [for example, a low-pass-filtered version of a power levelinformation], lies outside of a tolerance interval [described by“additional thresholds”], which is larger than an interval determined bya directly preceding sample of the power of the receive signal, or ofthe quantity derived from the power, and wherein the controller isconfigured to [immediately] recognize an end of a power level when thecurrent sample of the power of a receive signal, or of the quantityderived from the power, lies outside of the tolerance interval for thefirst time [while it is tolerated at least one time that the currentsample lies outside of the interval determined by the directly precedingsample without recognizing an end of a power level].

The controller may be further configured to operate according at least afirst and a second operational mode [e.g., the second mode beinginitiated in correspondence with the end of the first mode], wherein inat least one of the first and second modes the controller is configuredto perform at least one of the following techniques [possible incombination with any other technique] or a combination of at least twoof the following techniques [optionally in combination with any othertechnique]:

-   -   determining if a power of a receive signal, or a quantity        derived from the power [for example, a low-pass-filtered version        of a power information] lies within a limited interval;    -   verifying if a power is determined at an expected time period        [e.g., as extrapolated from previous measurements];    -   decoding or detecting a particular information [e.g., a sequence        and/or a preamble and/or a particular bitstream] encoded in the        signal to be received;    -   checking quality information [e.g., signal to noise ratio];    -   checking a fulfilment of criteria according to information        signalled from a transmitter;    -   detecting whether a slope in the power is under or over a        predetermined threshold [e.g., by determining that an increment        in the detected power of the received signal in respect to the        time is greater an upper threshold, indicating a fast increment        of the lower, and/or by determining that a negative increment in        the detected power of the received signal in respect to the time        is lower than a negative lower threshold, indicating a fast        decrease of the detected power];    -   wherein the controller may be configured to use at least one        different technique in the first mode with respect to the second        mode.

The controller may be further configured to operate according to atleast two operational modes:

-   -   a first mode in which the controller determines if a power of        the receive signal, or the quantity derived from the power [for        example, a low-pass-filtered version of a power information],        lies within a limited interval [e.g. on the basis of power        measurements], without considering information encoded in the        signal; and    -   a second mode [e.g., initiated in correspondence with the end of        the first mode] in which the controller both:        -   determines if a power of the receive signal, or the quantity            derived from the power [for example, a low-pass-filtered            version of a power information], lies within a limited            interval [e.g. on the basis of power measurements]; and        -   verifies the correctness of the determination on the basis            of whether information encoded in the received signal is            compliant to a recognition of a transmission to be received            on the basis of the power.

The controller may be further configured to derive or obtain, from anautomatic gain control, AGC, a quantity derived from the power [forexample, a low-pass-filtered version of a power information].

The controller may be further configured to derive, from a matchedfilter, a quantity associated to the power [or derived from thepower][for example, a low-pass-filtered version of a power information].

The controller of the above and/or below, wherein the quantityassociated to the power [or derived from the power] may be an infiniteimpulse response, IIR,-filtered version of a power information.

The controller may be further configured to perform an initializationprocedure to obtain parameters associated to at least one or acombination of:

-   -   power [for example, bounded by a lower interval boundary value        and an upper interval boundary value] so as to determine at        least one power level to be subsequently used to recognize a        transmission to be received;    -   time information [e.g., scheduling information and/or time        instants in which different power levels have been detected];    -   quality information [e.g., signal to noise ratio];

wherein the controller is configured to analyze a temporal evolution ofthe power, or of the quantity derived from the power, over a period ofthe receive signal in order to perform the initialization, or to receivea signalled information in order to perform the initialization.

-   -   [for example, the parameters may be obtained by measuring and/or        by receiving signalled information from a receiver].

The controller may be configured to adaptively modify a lower intervalboundary value and an upper interval boundary value for the power[and/or other parameters associated to the transmission to be received]on the basis of historical values of the power.

The controller may be configured to control the receiver of at least oneof any of the above and/or below.

The controller may be configured to control the receiver of one of theabove and/or below so as to select between:

-   -   a first status [e.g., a feedback status], in which the feedback        path provides the feedback signal to the adjustable sample        provider; and    -   a second status, [e.g., a freeze status], in which the        replacement value provider provides the replacement sample        timing information to the adjustable sample provider.

The controller may be configured to control the receiver of at least oneof the above and/or below so as to determine the predeterminedrequirement [e.g., a requirement associated to the absence ofillumination, e.g., on the basis of power and/or power level associatedto the input signal and/or on the basis of a particular sequence encodedin the input signal] to be fulfilled by the input signal.

The controller may be configured to control the receiver of at least oneof the above and/or below so as to select that:

-   -   the feedback path provides the feedback signal to the adjustable        sample provider when the controller recognizes that the        transmission is to be received; and/or    -   the replacement value provider provides the replacement sample        timing information to the adjustable sample provider when the        controller recognizes no transmission or that the transmission        is not a transmission to be received.

The receiver may further comprise a controller of the above and/orbelow.

A system comprising a transmitter [e.g., with a plurality oftransmitting antennas] and a receiver [e.g., with a plurality ofreceiving antennas], the receiver being as above and/or below, thetransmitter being configured to transmit a signal [e.g., a beam-formedor beam-switched signal] to the receiver.

The transmitter may be a satellite [e.g. in amplify and forward mode orin signal processing and forward mode or in signal generation mode].

The transmitter may be configured to perform transmission according to ascheduling transmission and/or according to a beam-switching time plan,BSTP, transmission,

-   -   wherein the scheduling and/or BSTP are defined so that for at        least one first interval the signal is intended to be        transmitted to the receiver, and for at least one second        interval the signal is not intended to be transmitted to the        receiver.

The system may further comprise a plurality of receivers, wherein thetransmitter may be configured to temporarily direct a particular beam toan intended receiver according to a scheduling and/or BSTP, so that thesignal power is temporarily increased in the direction of the intendedreceiver.

The receiver may be configured to use the feedback signal at thedetermination that the transmission is directed to the receiver, and touse the replacement sample timing information at the non-determinationof a transmission from the transmitter and/or at the determination thatthe transmission is not for the receiver.

The transmitter may be configured to operate according to at least:

-   -   a bursty signal condition, in which different beams are directed        to different receivers [e.g., according to a scheduling or        BSTP], and a    -   continuous signal condition, in which a beam is continuously        directed to a receiver.

A method for receiving an input signal, may comprise:

-   -   processing samples [e.g., by timing interpolation] of the input        signal using an adjustable sample timing [for example,        determined by sample timing information];    -   adapting the sample timing on the basis of feedback signal [e.g.        TED, Loop Filter] based on a timing error [e.g. determined by a        timing error detector], wherein the feedback signal is obtained        using a loop filter which provides sample timing information;        and    -   providing a replacement sample timing information replacing the        sample timing information provided with the feedback signal when        the input signal does not fulfil a predetermined requirement        [e.g., a requirement associated to the absence of illumination,        and/or on the basis of a control exerted by a controller, e.g.,        on the basis of power and/or power level associated to the input        signal and/or on the basis of a particular sequence encoded in        the input signal] for a feedback-based sample timing adaptation,    -   wherein the replacement sample timing information is obtained        considering a timing error information, or a quantity derived        from the timing error information, over a longer time period        when compared to a time period considered by the loop filter for        a provision of the sample timing information.

A method for receiving an input signal, may comprise:

-   -   processing samples [e.g., by timing interpolation] of the input        signal using an adjustable sample timing [for example,        determined by sample timing information];    -   adapting the sample timing on the basis of feedback signal [e.g.        TED, Loop Filter] based on a timing error [e.g. determined by a        timing error detector], wherein the feedback signal is obtained        using a loop filter which provides sample timing information;        and    -   providing a replacement sample timing information replacing the        sample timing information provided with the feedback signal when        the input signal does not fulfil a predetermined requirement        [e.g., a requirement associated to the absence of illumination,        and/or on the basis of a control exerted by a controller, e.g.,        on the basis of power and/or power level associated to the input        signal and/or on the basis of a particular sequence encoded in        the input signal] for a feedback-based sample timing adaptation;    -   wherein the replacement sample timing information is obtained by        temporally smoothening [e.g. low-pass-filter order time average]        sample timing information provided by the loop filter, in order        to obtain the replacement sample timing information.

A method for recognizing a transmission to be received, may comprise:

-   -   determining if a power of a receive signal, or a quantity        derived from the power [for example, a low-pass-filtered version        of a power information], lies within a limited interval [for        example, bounded by a lower interval boundary value and an upper        interval boundary value; this may for example constitute an        identification of a “power level” or of a “power range”], and    -   recognizing a transmission to be received based on the        determination.

A method may comprise:

-   -   the method of any of the above and/or below    -   wherein the provision of the feedback signal and the provision        of the replacement sample timing information of the method of        the above and/or below may be controlled by the method of the        above and/or below.

A computer program which, when executed by a processor, perform at leastone of the methods above and/or below.

Embodiments:

Innovative Aspect 1: Keeping Sampling Accuracy during AdaptationFreezing

Even if FIGS. 1 and 2 have been used for discussing the prior art, theymay also be used for describing a system 100 according to the invention.The system 100 may comprise, therefore, a transmitter (e.g., satellite102), receivers (e.g., terminals) 110-114 dislocated in differentcoverage areas 104-108 to receive beams 120-124 at illuminated timeslots 120′-124′ according to super-frames defined by the gateway 116(which may be integrated in the transmitter 102, for example). Thescenario of FIG. 2A can also occur: a receiver may receive, besides theintended beam C at the power P₂, also a non-intended beam D, which ismeant, according to the BSTP, to be received by a different receiver.

FIG. 6e shows receiver (e.g., one of the terminals 110, 112, 114). Thereceiver may comprise, for example, an antenna array 127 for performingtransmissions and/or receptions. The antenna array 127 may be connectedto a receiver signal processing 600 and/or a transmit signal processing600 e. the receiver signal processing 600 and/or a transmit signalprocessing 600 e may be connected to an input/output port 129 which maybe connected to external devices and/or application-running equipment(in some cases, the application-running equipment may be integrated inthe receiver and/or in at least one of the processings 600 or 600 e).

Each receiver may comprise hardware and functional means (e.g., antennasand/or antenna arrays, communication controllers, digital signalprocessors, etc.) to perform the processing 600.

The signal processing 600 (which may be embodied by any of the inventiveremote terminals 110-114) is input with a signal 602 (which may beobtained from any of the beams 120-124). The signal 602 is processed tobe provided to a data processing block 620. Processing blocks are forexample, an adjustable sample provider (604) [e.g. timing interpolator],a matched filter 608, an automatic gain control block 612, a selector616, for example (in alternative embodiments, one or some of theseblocks may be avoided). The matched filter 608 may be a low pass filter(e.g., a linear low pass filter) which matches with the transmit-sidepulse-shaping filter. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) may therefore bemaximized according to communications theory. The automated gain control(AGC) 612 may analyze the signal power of a version 610 of the inputsignal 602 (e.g., as output by the matched filter 610). The AGC 612 mayscale the signal to achieve a target power level at its output (version614 of the input signal 602). An optional selector 616 may drop everysecond sample of a version 614 of the input signal 602 (other kinds ofselectors may be defined in alternative embodiments).

Further, a feedback path 630 (with a timing error detector, TED, 632,and a loop filter 636) and a replacement value provider 640 areprovided.

The TED 632 may, for example, obtain an instantaneous timing offset fromsamples. The TED 632 may comprise, for example, an early-late detector,zero-crossing detector, and/or Müller&Müller detector. The TED 632 mayoutput timing error information 634 which may be associated to thedetected instantaneous timing offset.

The loop filter 636 may perform operations such as averaging, scaling,and/or integration. It may be a low-pass filter, whose settings controlits loop convergence and tracking characteristic. The loop filter 636may provide feedback-based information 638 which considers timing errorswhich are based, for example, on the timing error information 634.

The loop filter 636 may perform an equally or exponentially weightedaveraging or an averaging putting comparatively smaller weight on pastinput values when compared to current input values. The output 638 ofthe loop filter 636 (here referred to as “sample timing information”)may represent a smoothened and integrated version of the timing errorinformation 634. The sample timing information 638 may be thefeedback-based information used by the adjustable sample provider 604 tocompensate for the errors in synchronization. The sample timinginformation 638 may consider a filtered value or an average valuecalculated for a particular period of time (e.g., a determined period,associated to the last K number of samples).

According to the first inventive aspect, during non-illuminated timeperiods, the timing interpolation is not performed using feedbackvalues, as in FIG. 3 (prior art), but using a replacement value 642.When illumination ends (e.g., at 120 b, 122 b, 124 b), the signalprocessing 600 has no possibility of obtaining a reliable timing errorinformation from the feedback path 630 (which would therefore be basedon noise). Should the teachings of the prior art be followed, then thelast timing would be frozen and be used during the wholenon-illumination period. However, it has been noted that there is noguarantee that the last timing is correct or accurate enough. Byfreezing the last timing, there arises the possibility that, throughoutthe whole non-illuminated period, a big timing error accumulates.However, with the inventive aspect, at the end of illumination (e.g., at120 b, 122 b, 124 b) the last timing is not frozen but, instead, areplacement value 642 (in general calculated over a longer time periodand therefore in principle accurate) is used, hence reducing thepossibility of incorrect timing.

Basically, with this aspect of the invention, a feedback strategy isactivated when most convenient (during the illuminated time periods),while a feedforward strategy is activated when most convenient (duringthe non-illuminated time periods).

The adjustable sample provider 604 (timing interpolator) may providesamples of the input signal 602 using an adjustable sample timing. Theadjustable sample provider 604 may resample the received input signal602, so as to permit synchronization, demodulation, and decoding of thedata encoded in the input signal 602. Accordingly, it is possible tocompensate for timing offsets (sampling phase and sampling frequency).

The adjustable sample provider 604 may therefore rely on the feedbackpath 630, which may provide, in real time, feedback-based information638 on the timing errors (sample timing information) that havepreviously occurred.

The feedback path 630 may comprise the timing error detector (TED) 632,which derives a timing error value, e.g., based on previous portions ofthe input signal 602 (previous samples, etc.). Timing error information634 may therefore be provided by the TED 632. However, according to thepresent inventive aspect, the signal processing 600 does not uniquelymake use of the feedback path 630.

The signal processing 600 may comprise a replacement value provider 640,which may provide replacement sample timing information 642 (with thepurpose of replacing the sample timing information 638, e.g., fornon-illuminated periods). Hence, in some instants, the feedback path 630may be deactivated, while the replacement value provider 640 isactivated, and vice versa. The timing interpolator 604 may use inalternative:

-   -   the sample timing information 638 (obtained from the feedback        path 630 and based on the error information impairing the        previous samples), e.g., according to a feedback technique; and    -   the replacement sample timing information 642 (obtained from the        replacement value provider 640), e.g., according to a        feedforward technique.

This selection between two alternative timings is represented, in FIG.6, by the selector 644.

For bursty signal receptions (e.g., in non-continuously illuminatedenvironments, such as in FIGS. 1 and 2), during non-illuminated periods,the replacement sample timing information 642 may be provided to thetiming interpolator 604, while the sample timing information 638 may beprovided to the timing interpolator 604 during illuminated time-periods.

More in general, the replacement sample timing information 642 may beprovided to the timing interpolator 604 when a predetermined requirementis not fulfilled (which may be a requirement for determining whether aninput signal is being received). The requirement may be associated, forexample, to the presence of illumination, and/or may be based on acontrol exerted by a controller, e.g., the determination of power and/orpower level associated to the input signal and/or a particular sequence(e.g., a pilot sequence and/or a preamble) encoded in the input signal602 (e.g., in the initial part of the frame associated to the inputsignal).

Therefore, the processing 600 of the receiver may have at least twomodes (three modes in some optional examples):

-   -   a feedback mode, in which the feedback path 630 is activated,        and provides a sample timing information 638 to the timing        interpolator 604 (the feedback mode being associated, for        example, to the fulfilment of the predetermined requirement,        such as presence of illumination);    -   a replacement value provision mode (e.g., operating according to        a feedforward technique), in which the sample timing information        638 is deactivated and the replacement sample timing information        642 actively provides replacement sample timing information 642        to the timing interpolator 604 (the replacement value provision        mode being associated, for example, to the non-fulfilment of the        predetermined requirement, and may therefore be associated to        the absence of illumination);    -   (optionally) an intermediate mode (see also below).

The replacement sample timing information 642 may be generated, by thereplacement value provider 640, on the basis of timing error information634 or a quantity obtained from the timing error information 634, suchas the sample timing information 638 provided by the loop filter 636 oran intermediate information (e.g., internal to the loop filter 636).However, the replacement sample timing information 642 may be generatedby considering a timing error information 634, or a quantity derivedtherefrom, over a time period which is longer than the time periodconsidered by the loop filter 636 when providing the sample timinginformation 638.

In addition or alternative, the replacement value provider 640 maytemporally smoothen (e.g. low-pass-filter or time average) sample timinginformation provided by the loop filter 636 and/or loop filter-internaltiming information, in order to provide the replacement sample timinginformation 642.

It has been noted that, by using the more accurate replacement sampletiming information 642 during the non-illuminated periods, the jitter isreduced when the illumination is restarted. During the non-illuminatedperiods, in fact, the last value of the output 634 or 638 is not usedanymore (after having been frozen). To the contrary, during thenon-illuminated periods, a value (642) may be used which is the resultof a filtering or averaging on a more prolonged temporal basis, keepinginto account historical data. For example, there is less probabilitythat, during the non-illuminated periods, incorrect timing informationaccumulates. Otherwise, by freezing the last value 634 or 638 as in theprior art, a larger jitter would be accumulated in the timinginterpolator 604.

The replacement value provider 640 may consider values of the timingerror information 634 (or 638) over a first period of time for providinga current replacement sample time information. The loop filter 636 mayconsider values of the timing error information (634) over a secondperiod of time, which is shorter than the first period of time, forproviding a current sample time information 638. Therefore, thereplacement sample timing information 642 is in general based on a moreenlarged time period and is therefore less prone to random errors, andmore dependable, in general.

The replacement sample timing information 642 may be derived over aperiod of time which is longer than a period of time for which timingerror information 634 is considered by the loop filter 636 to provide acurrent sample timing information 638 [e.g., time period considered bythe loop filter for a provision of the sample timing information][e.g.,filter length of a FIR filter used as the loop filter].

In some examples, the impulse response of the replacement value provider640 to a value of the information 634 (or 638) is longer than an impulseresponse of the loop filter 636 to a value of the timing errorinformation 634 (or 638).

The replacement value provider 640 may perform linear averaging by meansof equal or different weights.

Examples of techniques for obtaining the replacement sample timinginformation 642 are here provided.

One could imagine that the replacement value provider 640 generates thereplacement sample timing information 642 by massively averaging thevalues 634 (or 638) relating an extremely extended time period (and agreat number of samples). However, it has been noted that it isbeneficial for the replacement value provider 640 to reduce thecomplexity and the memory requirements by considering only a selectednumber of samples per time unit. While the selected samples will beaveraged or filtered by the replacement value provider 640, thenon-selected ones will not be used by the replacement value provider640.

For examples, the replacement value provider 640 may select sampleswhich have a larger temporal spacing than the samples of the information634 or 638. The replacement value provider 640 may therefore evaluateless samples per time unit than the loop filter. Therefore, thecomputation effort required by the generation of the replacement sampletiming information 642 is not excessive, but the replacement sampletiming information 642 still provides historical information, ascompared to the values provided by the loop filter.

For example, the replacement value provider 640 may generate thereplacement sample timing information 642 by considering, instead of allthe samples of the information 634 (or 638), only a downsampled version(e.g., sub-sampled version) of the information 634 (or 638). Forexample, the replacement value provider 640 may average (or performfiltering by considering) only a particular percentage of the samples ofthe information 634 (or 638), while discarding the other samples. Thedownsampled version of the information 634 (or 638) may have a firstsampling rate between 100 times and 10000 times, or between 500 timesand 2000 times, slower than the sampling rate of the information 634 or638. In examples, the replacement value provider 640 may vary(downsample) a rate of samples of the information 634 or 638, by afactor of 2, hence generating the replacement sample timing information642 hence discarding one out of two samples. In other examples, the rateof samples may be varied by a factor of 8 or at least by a factor of 16or at least by a factor of 32 or at least by a factor of 64 and/or atleast by a factor of a power of 2.

The replacement value provider 640 may adaptively select samples of thetiming error information 634 to perform filtering or averaging on theselected samples between a lower sampling rate and a higher samplingrate.

Further, it has been noted that it is possible for the replacement valueprovider 640 to adaptively select the number of samples of theinformation 634 (or 638). Therefore, the distance between twoconsecutive selected samples of the information 634 (or 638) may beincreased or reduced on the basis of determinations performed on theinput signal 602 (or on any of the information 606, 610, 634, 638, inexamples). For examples:

-   -   if the input signal is noisy, the distance between the samples        of information 634 (or 638) which are selected for calculating        the sample timing information 642 will be reduced (e.g., with        high noise, the downsample factor is small, e.g., 2 or 4);    -   if the if the input signal is not noisy, the distance between        the samples of information 634 (or 638) which are selected for        calculating the sample timing information 642 will be increased        (e.g., with low noise, the downsample factor is large, e.g., 32        or 64).

Accordingly, there may be a measurement on the fly of the SNR of thereceived signal: the higher the SNR, the lower the downsampling rate.Therefore, the noisier the input, the lower the distance between theused samples.

If the input signal 602 is noisy, the information 642 that can beobtained may be in principle assumed as non-particularly reliable. Tocope with this issue, the replacement value provider 640 increases thenumber of samples per time unit (and/or reduced distance between theselected samples) to be averaged, so that the resulting information 642is based on more samples. Therefore, for noisy signals the replacementvalue provider 640 may consider, per time unit, an increased number ofsamples of the information 634 (or 638) than for less noisy signals.

In general terms, in dependence on a signal-to-noise ratio of the inputsignal or in dependence on other criteria, it is possible to performdifferent downsampling techniques for obtaining the information 642. Forexample, the lower the signal-to-noise ratio, the higher thedownsampling.

In examples, filtering or averaging on the selected samples may beperformed by the replacement value provider 640 on the basis of at leastone of or a combination of target signal to noise, SNR, ratio, supportedtiming offset range, supported carrier frequency offset range,convergence speed requirements, the scheme used for the time errordetection, data signal characteristics, the used roll-off of thetransmit-side pulse-shaping filter and/or the used roll-off of areceiver-side matched filter (608).

The replacement value provider 640 may have signal processingcapabilities and/or may process an analysis of the information 634 or638, e.g., by correlation and/or autocorrelation, to optimize thedownsampling, and may calculate the signal-to-noise ratio, for example.

Notably, however, it is in general advantageous not to indefinitelyup-scale the distance between two consecutive selected samples ofinformation 634 or 638 (or not to indefinitely reduce the sampling rateof the information 634 or 638). In fact, those samples, that thereplacement value provider 640 shall average or filter, shall beobtained during the illumination time. Therefore, a maximum distance isdefined. The sampling rate of the information 634 or 638 (as input tothe replacement value provider 640) may therefore be configurable and/orcontrollable so that its lower end is configured considering the maximumand minimum illumination time (other conditions may be defined).Accordingly, it is ensured that the replacement value provider 640 doesnot try to obtain samples of the information 634 or 638 only duringnon-illuminated periods.

The replacement value provider 640 may average or filter samples of atleast two different time periods of the input signal 602 during whichthe input signal fulfils a predetermined condition (e.g., thepredetermined condition, such as the presence of illumination). At leastsome of the samples of the information 634 or 638, taken intoconsideration by the replacement value provider 640, may be taken fromdifferent periods of illumination. However, the replacement valueprovider 640 refrains from taking into account samples of thenon-illuminated time periods.

In examples, samples of the information 634 or 638 may be chosen on thebasis of configuration data and/or a lookup table in dependence on aconfiguration or in dependence of a communication scenario.

As explained above, the receiver signal processing 600 may have at leasttwo or three modes:

-   -   the feedback mode, in which the sample timing information 638 of        the feedback path 630 is activated;    -   the replacement value provision mode, in which the sample timing        information 638 is deactivated (in turn the replacement        information 642 may be provided);    -   (optionally) the intermediate mode.

The intermediate mode may be provided for avoiding hard-switching whentransitioning from the replacement value provision mode to the feedbackmode. The processing 600 may operate as follows:

-   -   for transitioning from the feedback mode to the replacement        value provision mode (e.g., when illumination is terminated):        -   transitioning from the feedback mode to the intermediate            mode; and, subsequently,        -   transitioning from the intermediate mode to the replacement            value provision mode; and/or    -   for transitioning from the replacement value provision mode to        the feedback mode (e.g., when illumination is determined):        -   transitioning from the replacement value provision mode to            the intermediate mode; and, subsequently,        -   transitioning from the intermediate mode to the feedback            mode.

The processing 600 may be configured, for example, to smoothen thetransition, e.g., by avoiding a “jump”, or performing an interpolationand/or adaptation with the replacement value as a baseline. As shown inFIG. 6, in the intermediate mode, the value 646 (which may be a versionof the replacement sample timing information 642) may be provided to theloop filter 636, which therefore may filter the replacement value 646(or a value intermediate between the replacement value 646 and the value634) and provide the filtered value as sample timing information to thetiming interpolator 604. The value 646 may be an example ofreconfiguration information provided by the replacement value calculator640 to the loop filter 646 for the intermediate mode.

In addition or in alternative, the loop gain associated to the loopfilter 636 may be increased and/or the loop filter characteristic may bemodified during an initial transitory interval in which the loop filter636 is modified. In some cases, when the SNR is detected as beingreduced with respect to the previous SNR, the loop gain may be increasedor loop filter characteristic may be modified. In examples, it ispossible to increase the loop gain and/or change the loop filtercharacteristic (e.g. wider low-pass bandwidth) of the loop filter 636for an input signal with a comparatively higher signal to noise ratio,SNR, with respect to a signal with a comparatively lower SNR, and/or todecrease the loop gain and/or change the loop filter characteristic(e.g. smaller low-pass bandwidth) of the loop filter 636 for a signalwith a comparatively lower SNR with respect to a signal with acomparatively higher SNR.

In examples, the activation of the feedback mode and of the replacementvalue provision mode (and/or the transition through the intermediatemode, in some examples) is performed by a freezing controller 650, whichmay operate on the basis of a power information 656 (e.g., byrecognizing the status of illumination or non-illumination).

FIG. 6a shows a diagram 690 which shows operations according to theAspect 1. At 691 a, the freezing controller 650 checks whether anillumination is present (which may be the predetermined requirement, forexample), e.g., by detecting a start of illumination has occurred. Ifillumination has started, steps 692-696 of a feedback mode 698 areinvoked. In these steps 692-696 a feedback processing is activated. At692, an input signal 602 is obtained. Then, at 693, the sample timinginformation 638 is updated by the feedback path 630. In parallel (or inseries in other examples), at 694 the replacement sample information 642is updated by the replacement value provider 640, even if it iscurrently not output (not in all cases the update is activated; forexample, the step 694 is actually activated at a distance of 1000snapshots, for example, or at another distance as discussed above, e.g.,on the basis of the determined SNR). At 695, the timing is applied bythe adjustable sample provider 604, so as to interpolate the timing onthe basis of instantaneous feedback. At 696, the signal is decoded atblock 620. Then, a new check is performed at 691 b. If at step 691 b itis verified that the illumination is absent (e.g., by determining an endof illumination), a replacement sample timing provision mode 699 (block697) is entered, in which the replacement sample timing information 642is continuously output to perform timing interpolation on the basis ofthe replacement sample timing information 642.

Notably, the feedback mode 698 may also be considered a normal receptionmode, during the components 604, 608, 612, 616, 620 operate to permitthe decoding of data from the signal 602 under the timing conditioned bythe feedback path 630. To the contrary, the replacement sample timingprovision mode 699 may also be a reduced-power-consumption mode, inwhich also the components 612, 616, 620, and/or the feedback path 630are deactivated, so as to reduce power consumption duringnon-illumination periods.

FIG. 6b resumes operations according to the first aspect in aone-dimensional graph. A time axis is represented as a discretesuccession of samples i, each associated to a sample of the timing errorinformation 634 used to generate the sample timing information 638. Thefeedback mode 698 (during illumination) and the replacement sample mode699 (in absence of illumination) are shown. At a generic instant i_(s)in the feedback mode 698, the loop filter 636 processes the timing errorinformation 634 relative to samples in a small time period t_(small)(formed, for example, by the last 32 samples, indicated with 62, of thetiming error information 634), to obtain a sample of the sample timinginformation 638 to be provided to the adjustable sample provider ortiming interpolator 604 (see step 693). At instant is also thereplacement value provider 640 processes the timing error information634, so as to update the replacement sample timing information 642. Thesamples of the timing error information 634 averaged (e.g., at step 694)by the replacement value provider 640 are taken from a large time periodt_(large), (with t_(large)>t_(small)). However, as explained above, notall the samples in the large time period t_(large) are processed by thereplacement value provider 640: for example, only samples 60, with arelative distance t_(snapshot) (snapshot distance), may be selected.Notably, however, in the feedback mode 698 the samples of the sampletiming information 638 are provided to the timing interpolator 604,while the updates of the replacement sample timing information 642 arenot output by the replacement value provider 640. In the replacementsample mode 699, neither the replacement value provider 640 nor the loopfilter 636 perform any averaging or filtering. However, in thereplacement sample mode 699, the replacement value provider 640 maycontinuously provide a constant value of the replacement sample timinginformation 642 to the timing interpolator 604, while no timinginformation is provided from the loop filter 636 to the timinginterpolator 604.

In examples, the averages or filter operations performed by the loopfilter 636 and/or the replacement value provider 640 may be weighed. Forexample, the samples closer to i_(s) may be awarded of a higher weightthan the samples more distant from i_(s). In other cases, the weightsmay be unitary and/or equal among the samples.

As explained above, the length of t_(snapshot) may be adapted to thereceive signal 602. Noisy signals may need a smaller length fort_(snapshot). In examples, therefore, the higher the SNR, the smallert_(snapshot).

The replacement value provider 640 may also temporally smoothen thesample timing information 638 provided by the loop filter 636 to obtaina more accurate replacement sample timing information 642 than thesample timing information 638.

A discussion on operations described above is here carried out.

Compared to the conventional approach of FIG. 3, the feedback path 630is enhanced in accuracy by larger bit-width and the module 640 forreplacement value calculation using the loop filter output (and/or theTED output 634, in another embodiment). In case of freezing isactivated, the depicted switch 644 (or any other data path controlmechanism) is used to forward the accurate replacement value to thetiming interpolator 604 instead of the loop filter output 638. Whenfreezing is deactivated, the switch 644 moves back to forward the loopfilter output 638 towards the timing interpolator 604. In preparationfor this case, the replacement value calculation module 640 optionallyprovides re-initialization information and data 646 to the loop filter636. This has two benefits: avoiding a control signal jump whenswitching and continuing the interpolation and adaptation process withthe replacement value as baseline.

Instead of a hard switching, one could also (optionally) use softswitching in another embodiment (see above). This means calculation andproviding of some intermediate values for smooth transition between thereplacement value 642 and the new loop filter values 638.

Note that another embodiment may have the proposed scheme (=replacementvalue calculation and switching between replacement value and loopfilter value) located within the loop filter module applied to moduleinternal signals/variables/values.

An approach of the replacement value calculation may be to do massiveaveraging over loop filter values. However, this could cost memory andincrease complexity. Instead some embodiments (optionally) exploitknowledge about low-pass and averaging character of the loop filter. So,consecutive output samples 368 of the loop filter 363 are expected to becorrelated. Different loop filter configurations and optimizations arepossible cf. [7] and [8] depending on the target SNR range, supportedtiming offset range, supported carrier frequency offset range, andconvergence speed requirements. All this will influence the correlationcharacteristic of the loop filter output signal. Furthermore, it alsodepends on the used TED scheme and the present data signalcharacteristics, e.g. the used roll-off of the transmit-sidepulse-shaping filter and the used roll-off of the receiver-side matchedfilter. Therefore, the innovative replacement value calculator 640 mayoptionally perform one or more of the following functionalities:

-   -   Averaging over snapshots of the loop filter signal 638, where        the snapshot distance is optionally configurable according to        different timing loop module configurations and signal        properties (e.g. the level of included noise represented by SNR)        -   Maximum averaging gain for a given averaging depth/filter            length may be achievable.    -   Linear averaging is in general advantageous over other methods        (e.g. IIR) but not necessary        -   Maximum averaging gain due to equal weighting of all values            may be achieved.

For a timing loop configuration, investigations have shown that asnapshot distance of 1000 brings the same averaging gain than averagingover all values. Thus, the memory requirement reduces by 1000, e.g. fromaveraging over 500.000 values to 500 values. Even if the TED 632 and theloop filter 636 are configured static, different roll-offs used in thematched filter and noise levels within the received signal justifyscaling the snapshot distance by a factor of up to 20 (optional). Notethat in some cases the snapshot distance cannot be up-scaled arbitrarilybecause there is a given minimum illumination time (worst case). One caneither care for getting enough statistics during each illumination or dothe averaging of snapshots over more than one illumination assuming thatthe timing offset stays rather constant.

To achieve an optimum snapshot distance, one can (for example) do eitheroffline optimization for the different configurations and scenarios andstore a table look up in the receiver. Or online optimization is made byanalyzing the loop filter signal, e.g. by correlation. Of course, thefirst approach represents an advantageous low complexity solution. Othersolutions are also possible.

A final goal of the whole optimization is that the accumulated timingoffset after the duration of illumination absence lies with only afraction of symbol duration, e.g. 0.1. Due to the free-running timinginterpolator based on the replacement value, the inaccuracy isintegrated over time. This is in order to limit signal distortion toother modules until timing loop is successfully un-frozen andre-synchronized back on track.

Innovative Aspect 2: Freeze control driven by power level analyzer(usable independently or together with aspect 1)

It is here explained how to perform a determination of a received signalaccording to examples. A controller 650 may be used, for example, todetermine the reception of a signal (e.g., the signal 602).

As explained above, there arises the necessity of discriminating:

-   -   a signal intended to the particular coverage area in which the        receiver is positioned; from    -   a signal intended to a different coverage area.

If the different coverage area is close to the coverage area in whichthe receiver is positioned, there arises the possibility that a beam(which, according to the BSTP, is indented to be transmitted to thedifferent coverage area) is detected and incorrectly assumed as part ofthe signal 602 do be decoded.

A controller unit may be used, with reference to FIG. 2A, fordistinguishing between the higher illumination at power level P₂ of beamC (which is meant for the receiver) and the lower illumination (e.g.,directed to a different device) at power P₁ of beam D.

The controller unit may, in examples, comprise a freezing controller 650downstream to and/or cooperating with a power detector 654. The powerdetector 654 may check whether the power of a signal is within aparticular interval, for example. In examples, the power detector 654may also determine a particular power interval (see below) to be usedsubsequently. Notably, in examples, at least some functions of thecontroller 650 may be performed by the power detector 654 or vice versa.In examples, the power detector 654 may be integrated in the controller650. In the following, the terminology “controller unit 650, 654” may beused for indicating at least one of the power detector 654 and thecontroller 650.

Notably, the controller unit 650, 654 may activate or deactivate thereplacement value provision (e.g., identified by the control signal line652 which commands the selector 644) discussed above. The controllerunit 650, 654 may determine whether an input signal 602 is atransmission to be received or not on the basis of power information oranother quantity associated to the power. In some cases, otherconditions, besides the power information or the quantity associated tothe power, may be taken into consideration as well. The operations ofthe unit 650, 654 may, however, be used also for different orindependent purposes. (With commands 652′, 652″, 652′″ the controllerunit may also freeze the loop filter 636, the AGC 612, and the TED 632,for example.)

In examples, the controller unit 650, 654 may be configured to perform adetermination whether a power of a receive signal 602, or a quantity 656derived from the power [for example, a low-pass-filtered version of apower level information], lies within a limited interval, and torecognize the transmission 602 to be received based on thedetermination. On the basis of the determination, the controller unit650, 654 may control the activation/deactivation of the switch 644.

In examples, the controller unit 650, 654 supports a special activationmode “exploit other illumination” based on the detection of differentillumination power levels and qualification of the other illumination(s)to be in a suitable power level range to be exploitable by the receiverin order to improve synchronization. Also side information like decodedcoverage ID from the received signal can be taken into account forqualification. This special activation mode may control the modulesdifferently compared to the activation mode according to the prior art.For example, the scaling adaptation of the AGC 612 can be frozen orintentionally biased by the power difference, but the feedback path 630will be activated.

In examples, if the controller unit 650, 654 recognizes:

-   -   that the input signal 602 is a transmission to be received        (hence verifying that the predetermined requirement, such as the        current illumination, is fulfilled), to switch the selector 644        to activate the feedback mode (so that the timing interpolator        604 is fed with sample timing information 638 based on a timing        error information 634 of the current samples of the signal);        and/or    -   that the input signal 602 is a transmission which is not to be        received (hence verifying that the predetermined requirement,        such as the current illumination, is not fulfilled), to switch        the selector 644 to activate the replacement value provision        mode (so that the timing interpolator 604 is fed with        replacement sample timing information 642).

In at least one of the cases, the intermediate mode as discussed abovemay also be triggered by the controller unit 650, 654.

The controller unit 650, 654 may understand, for example, that thesignal 602 is a signal to be received and decoded when the controllerunit 650, 654 determines that the power level is within a particularinterval (this operation may be performed by the power detector 654, inexamples). With reference to FIG. 7b , interval 702 may be bounded by alower interval boundary value 704 and an upper interval boundary value706. This may for example constitute an identification of a “powerlevel” or of a “power range”. The controller unit 650, 654 may thereforeidentify whether the received signal presents a previously determinedpower level [for example, a power niveau][for example out of more thantwo power levels to be distinguished, wherein the at least two powerlevels or niveaus may be associated with different signal contents,different beams, different receivers . . . ]. For example, in FIG. 7bthe sample 708 is within the power range 702, while the sample 710 isoutside the power range 702.

The controller unit 650, 654 may, in examples, additionally determinehow long the power of the receive signal 602 (and/or the quantityderived from the receive signal such as, for example, thelow-pass-filtered version of a power level information) lies within thelimited interval. Hence, the controller unit 650, 654 may determine thetime length of the interval. Accordingly, the controller unit 650, 654may recognize a length of at least one limited time period [for example,a length of a signal burst, or a length 712 of an illumination of acertain spatial region] during which the receive signal 602 comprises apower level [e.g., by counting the number of consecutive samples in thesame power level and/or by analysing the time distance between sampleswithin a predetermined search time period].

In examples, the limited interval 702 may have fixed and its upper andlower interval values 704, 706 may be fixed and predetermined (e.g.,defined offline).

In other examples, the limited interval (and the values 704, 706) may bedynamically defined. E.g., at least one power level may be dynamicallydefined on the basis of the determination that a predetermined number of(e.g., at least two) consecutive power samples lie within limitedintervals associated with a particular power level. The controller unit650, 654 may determine how long the power of the receive signal 602, orthe quantity derived from the receive signal lies within the limitedinterval. Accordingly, it is possible to recognize a time length 712 ofat least one limited time period [for example, a length of a signalburst, or a length of an illumination of the certain spatial region(coverage area 104-108) in which the receiver 110-114 is positioned]during which the received signal 602 comprises a particular power level(e.g., 702). For example, it is possible to recognize the time length712 of the power level 702 by counting the number of consecutive samplesin the same power level and/or by analysing the time distance betweensamples within a predetermined search time period. In examples, thepower level 702 may be dynamically defined on the basis of thedetermination that at least two consecutive power samples lie withinlimited intervals associated with a particular power level.

In examples, the controller unit 650, 654 may check whether therecognized length of the limited time period 712 during which thereceived signal comprises the power level 702 fulfils a predeterminedcondition. For example, the predetermined condition may be: “is therecognized length of the limited time period (during which the receivedsignal comprises the power level) at least approximately a multiple of ascheduling granularity?” or “does the recognized length of the limitedtime period (during which the received signal comprises the power level)comply with a time schedule of a given transmission out of a pluralityof different transmissions?”. By verifying the at least one of theconditions (“YES”), it is possible to support the recognition that theinput signal 602 is associated to a transmission to be received.Evaluating more than one criterion allows to recognize erroneousdetermination. By verifying that the at least one of the conditions isnot verified (“NO”), it is possible to recognize an erroneousdetermination of the signal. Therefore, error detection capabilities areincreased.

The number of power levels that may be determined by the controller unit650, 654 (and in examples, by the power detector 654) may be at leasttwo (in FIG. 2A, for example, three power levels P₁, P₂, P₀ arerecognized; in FIG. 2B four power levels P₁, P₂, P₃, P₀ are recognized).(For the sake of simplicity, FIGS. 2A and 2B do not show the upper andlower interval values which are indicated with 704, 706 in FIG. 7B.)Therefore, it is possible to distinguish different power levels.Notably, in some cases, at least one of the levels may be noise powerlevel (e.g., P₀), while the highest power level (e.g., the higher one,such as P₂ in FIG. 2A and P₃ in FIG. 2B) may be understood as beingassociated to the transmission that is intended to be received anddecoded by the receiver. The other power levels may be power levelsassociated to beams that are intended for different receivers and mayalso considered as noise or secondary power levels (see also below).

Accordingly, the processing 600 may refrain from decoding the inputsignal 602 when the latter is associated to a noise power level: forexample, the controller unit 650, 654 may transmit a notification 660 tothe data processor 620 that the incoming signal is not to be decoded. Inaddition or alternative, the controller unit 650, 654 may activate(e.g., via command 652 and selector 644) the replacement sample timingprovider 640, so that the latter starts providing the replacement sampletiming information 640 to the timing interpolator 604.

In examples, the controller unit 650, 654 may track durations duringwhich the different power levels are present, to derive a schedulinginformation. For example, the controller unit 650, 654 may be configuredto recognize that, within a predetermined search time period, aplurality of samples are within a particular power range so as torecognize a particular power level. This technique may allow thereceiver to learn the scheduling without necessity of explicitlysignalling the scheduling information from the transmitter (e.g.,satellite 602), for example, and may be carried out in a particularinitialization session.

In examples, as initialization is performed to obtain parametersassociated to at least one or a combination of power so as to determineat least one power level to be subsequently used to recognize atransmission to be received; time information; and/or qualityinformation. The controller unit 650, 654 may analyze a temporalevolution of the power, or of the quantity derived from the power, overa period of the receive signal in order to perform the initialization,or to receive a signalled information in order to perform theinitialization.

In examples in which the transmitter (e.g., satellite 102) also signalsthe scheduling plan (e.g., BSTP), the duration of the time period forreceiving may notwithstanding be checked by the controller unit 650,654, so as to verify the correctness of the scheduling informationand/or to verify the correctness of the transmission which is beingreceived. Here, the controller unit 650, 654 checks whether a currentpower lies within a limited interval, interval boundaries of which aredetermined on the basis of the previously derived schedulinginformation.

The controller unit 650, 654 may store time information characterizing[and/or describing] time portions of different levels of the receivesignal 602 (e.g., scheduling), store information on the power levels ofthe receive signal, or the quantity derived from the power. Thecontroller unit 650, 654 may also be configured to recognize, insubsequent instants, time periods associated to the transmission to bereceived on the basis of at least the stored time information (e.g.,scheduling).

The controller unit 650, 654 may use stored information on the powerlevels of the receive signal during different time portions for therecognition of the time periods and power levels associated to thetransmission to be received [for example, for setting intervalboundaries 704, 706].

In examples, the processing 600 (and the receiver as well) may be in atleast one of the two modes:

-   -   a reduced-power-consumption mode (e.g., 699) on the basis of the        derived scheduling information [for example, for periods of time        for which it is estimated, on the basis of the derived        scheduling information, that there is no transmission to be        received by the receiver]    -   a normal reception mode (e.g., 698) when a transmission to be        received (e.g., 602) is expected on the basis of the derived        scheduling information.

In the reduced power consumption mode 699, the processing 600 may be inthe replacement sample timing provision mode (such that the timinginterpolator 604 is fed with replacement sample timing information 642,while the loop filter 636 and/or the TED 632 are deactivated). Further,in the reduce power consumption mode 699, the received signal 602 may benot subjected to decoding. In the normal reception mode 698, theprocessing 600 may be in the feedback mode (such that the timinginterpolator 604 is fed with sample timing information 638, and/or theloop filter 636 and/or the TED 632 are activated, and/or the replacementsample value provider 640 does not provide the replacement sample timinginformation 642, even if it may continue to perform averaging). Further,in the normal mode, the input signal 602 may be actually decoded.

The controller unit 650, 654 may recognize periods of time during whichdifferent power levels are present, so as to rank the different timeperiods to recognize the time periods for the transmission to bereceived. For example, the controller unit 654, 650 may determine duringwhich periods of time there is the highest power level, the secondhighest power level, and so on. For example time period during whichthere is the highest power level may be chosen as the illuminationperiod. The lower power level may be associated to noise. The remainingpower levels may be considered secondary power levels). Hence, while thelowest measured power level (e.g., P₀ in FIGS. 2A and 2B) may beinterpreted as noise, the remaining non-highest-ranked power levels(e.g., P₁ in FIG. 2A and P₁ and P₂ in FIG. 2B) may be interpreted assecondary power levels. The secondary power levels may be used forpossible hand-over (e.g., in case of impossibility of obtaining thesignal at the highest power level anymore) and/or for tracking the powerlevel differences over time in order to identify a suitable beam forhand-over. Hand-over may be needed when a receiver is mobile and goesfrom one coverage area to the next coverage area (e.g., it moves fromarea 104 to area 106). In this case, the user data is no longer providedby the beam of the one coverage area but by the beam of the nextcoverage area. This observation and tracking of the power levels and/orpower level differences also allows for determination whether the signalof a secondary power level can be used to enhance the receiversynchronization. For example, if the secondary power level is very closeto the main power level, i.e. above a given threshold, good signalquality can be expected from the signal of the secondary power level. Soexploiting this is provides enhanced synchronizationperformance/accuracy/stability.

FIG. 7c shows an example of a method 720 which may be performed by thecontroller unit 654, 650. At step 722, the power levels of an inputsignal and their time lengths are determined. With reference to FIG. 2A,the controller unit 650, 654 may obtain the knowledge of the power level(e.g., so as to describe each of P₀, P₁, and P₂ in terms of itsboundaries 704, 706, so as to describe) and the time periods associatedto the power levels. The retrieved power levels are ranked, e.g., fromthe highest power level (e.g., P₂ in FIG. 2A) to the lower power level(e.g., P₀). At step 724, the power level with highest power (highestpower level, e.g., P₂ in FIG. 2A) is determined (e.g., determining thetime period with highest ranking). With reference to FIG. 2A, thecontroller unit 654, 650 may therefore determine that the illuminatedperiod corresponds to the length of the interval associated to the powerlevel P₂ (with highest ranking), hence understanding the super-framesSF7 and SF8 as the illuminated period. Analogously, the controller unit654, 650 may understand the other time periods (e.g., super-framesSF1-SF6 and super-frames SF9-SF12) as noise periods. In particular, theperiods associated to super-frames SF9 and SF10 will be understood as aperiod in which a beam directed to a different coverage area causes anunintended illumination which is to be considered as noise. At step 726,the period of illumination with highest power level (e.g., P₂) is chosenas the correct illumination period. Therefore, for subsequentsuper-frames, the input signal 602 will be decoded only when it is inthe correct illumination period (e.g., super-frames SF9 and SF10).

FIG. 7d shows a possible result of the method 720 applied to thescenario of FIG. 2A. A table 750 may be obtained and stored in a memoryunit. Each row may be associated to a different interval (P₀, P₁, andP₂). The column 752 is associated to the particular time periodassociated to each to the power intervals interval (P₀, P₁, and P₂). Inthis case, the column 752 is subdivided into two sub-columns: a startsub-column 752 a indicating the frame in which the period begins and anend sub-column 752 b indicating the frame in which the period ends. Thecolumn 754 may indicate the retrieved power levels (P₀, P₁, and P₂). Thecolumn 754 is in this case subdivided into two sub-columns: a lowerpower boundary sub-column 754 a indicating the lower boundary (e.g.,P_(x)−ε₁) of the power interval (e.g., 704 in FIG. 7b ) and a higherpower boundary sub-column 754 b in which the period begins and an endsub-column 752 b indicating the higher boundary (e.g., P_(x)+ε₂) of thepower interval (e.g., 706 in FIG. 7b ). The column 756 indicates therank of the particular power level. The noise is assumed to be P₀, asbeing the lower-ranking-interval. The illumination period is chosen asthe super-frames SF7-SF8 (power level P₂), as being thehighest-ranking-interval. The secondary power level is P₁.

The processing 600 may decode and/or detect at least one information[e.g., a sequence and/or a preamble and/or a particular bitstream]encoded in the receive signal 602, so as to determine the start (e.g.,120 a, 122 a, 124 a) and/or the end (e.g., 120 b, 122 b, 124 b) of aperiod of the transmission to be received. In some examples, both thepower level and the decoding may be used, and a transmission to bereceived may be recognized already when a characteristic information hasbeen decoded and/or detected, even if the power is still not within thelimited interval.

The processing 600 may receive signalling transmissions from atransmitter (e.g., the satellite 102) regarding time information [e.g.,scheduling-related and/or BTSP-related information and/or modification]and/or lower interval boundary value and/or an upper interval boundaryvalue associated to at least one power levels [e.g., range]. Thecontroller unit 654, 650 may obtain signalling transmissions so that thecontroller unit 654, 650 is at least partially controlled by thesignalling transmissions and/or obtain side-information.

In some examples, a redundancy strategy may be used, so as to verify thecorrectness of the determination of the power level. For example, it ispossible to:

-   -   perform the determination whether the power of a receive signal        602 is within the interval 702; and    -   verify the correctness of the determination on the basis of at        least one of the following strategies:        -   detecting a slope in the power under or over a predetermined            threshold. For example:            -   if a positive increment in the detected power of the                received signal in respect to the time is greater than                an upper threshold, a fast increment of the detected                power is determined, and/or            -   if a negative increment in the detected power of the                received signal in respect to the time is lower than a                negative lower threshold, a fast decrease of the                detected power is determined; and/or        -   using time information obtained with previous power level            determinations [for example, to predict a time when the            transmission to be received is expected to start using a            time extrapolation]; and/or        -   decoding [or detecting] a particular information [e.g., a            sequence and/or a preamble and/or a particular bitstream]            encoded in received signal; and/or        -   detecting quality information [e.g., signal to noise ratio]            or deducing it from other modules [e.g. signal to noise            ratio estimator]; and/or        -   using data signalled from and/or commands from a            transmitter.

For example, a fast increment or fast decrease of the detected power maybe associated to the fact that the received signal 602 is now in adifferent power level (which may lead to the information that the signalis the signal to be actually received in case of fast positiveincrement, and to the information that the signal is not to be receivedanymore if the fast decrease). In addition or alternative, the powerlevel may be validated using one of the other strategies listed above.

In examples, the controller unit 654, 650 may dynamically determine thevalue of the power level (e.g., the method 720 may be performed in realtime). For example, the power level may be considered dynamicallydetermined when a certain number (e.g., 2) of consecutive power samples(e.g., 706, 708) is recognized to be within a particular range. Thecontroller unit 654, 650 may be configured to determine, for example:

-   -   as a first condition, if a current power sample lies within an        interval determined by a first preceding sample of the power of        a receive signal [for example, an interval extending upward and        downward from the first preceding sample value], and    -   as a second condition, if the current power sample, also lies        within an interval determined by a second preceding sample of        the power of a receive signal, or of the quantity derived from        the power.

A continuation of the power level if both the first condition and thesecond condition are fulfilled.

With reference to FIG. 7, a method for determining a power interval 732and a time length 730 is now discussed. The power sample p_(ACT)[i]verifies the first condition, as p_(ACT)[i] lies within an intervaldefined by the previous power sample p_(ACT)[i-1]. In fact, theconditionp_(act)[i]∈[p_(act)[i−1]±p_(margin)]

is verified where p_(margin) indicates a margin. Further, p_(ACT)[i]verifies the second condition, as p_(act)[i]∈[p_(act)[i−2]±p_(margin].)

Therefore, the power interval 730 is identified. For the subsequentpower sample p_(ACT)[i+1], the same two conditions are also verifiedw.r.t. p_(ACT)[i] and p_(ACT)[i−1]. Hence, p_(ACT)[i+1] lies in the sametime interval of p_(ACT)[i]. The same applies to the subsequent powersample p_(ACT)[i+2], and so on. At a particular time instantp_(ACT)[i+N], the conditions are not fulfilled any more: therefore, thetime length 730 of the interval is understood as being N+2. Notably, attime instant p_(ACT)[i+N+2], the power interval 734 is identified.Hence, the conditionp_(act)[i]∈[p_(act)[i−1]±p_(margin)]∩p_(act)[i]∈[p_(act)[i−2]±p_(margin)]

may be used for checking if a new interval is found and for obtaining,recursively, the time length of an interval.

Notably, in the interval,[p_(act)[i−1]±p_(margin)]∩p_(act)[i]∈[p_(act)[i−2]±p_(margin)], thelowest value may be understood as the lower boundary 704, and may bestored in the column 754 a of the table 750. The highest value may beunderstood as the highest value of the higher boundary 706, and may bestored in the column 754 b of the table 750. The value p_(act)[i−2] maybe understood as P₀, P₁, or P₂.

The controller unit 654, 650 may be configured to:

-   -   tolerate a predetermined number of consecutive power samples        [for example, one sample], which do not fulfil the first        condition and/or the second condition without recognizing an end        of a power level, and    -   recognize an end of a power level if more than the predetermined        number of consecutive power samples, do not fulfil the first        condition or the second condition.

With reference to FIG. 7a , the controller unit 654, 650 may determinewhether a current sample of a power of a receive signal lies outside ofa tolerance interval 742 [described by “additional thresholds” in FIG.7a ]. The tolerance interval 742 is larger than an interval 744 (e.g.,p_(act)[i−1]±p_(margin) as above) determined by a directly precedingsample of the power of the receive signal. Sample 746 is outside thetolerance interval 742 of sample 749, while sample 748 is inside thetolerance interval 742 (although outside the interval 744 of the sample749). The controller unit 654, 650 may be configured to [e.g.,immediately] recognize an end of a power level at sample 746 when thesample of the power of the receive signal lies outside of the toleranceinterval 742 for the first time. Moreover, it is tolerated (at least onetime) that the sample 748 lies outside of the interval 744 determined bythe directly preceding sample 749. In this case, an end of a power levelis not recognized.

In examples, the controller unit 654, 650 may:

-   -   operate according at least a first and a second operational mode        [e.g., the second mode being initiated in correspondence with        the end of the first mode], wherein in at least one of the first        and second modes the controller is configured to perform at        least one of the following techniques or a combination of at        least two of the following techniques:        -   determining if a power of a receive signal lies within a            limited interval;        -   verifying if a power is determined at an expected time            period [e.g., as extrapolated from previous measurements];        -   decoding or detecting a particular information [e.g., a            sequence and/or a preamble and/or a particular bitstream]            encoded in the signal to be received;        -   checking quality information [e.g., signal to noise ratio];        -   checking a fulfilment of criteria according to information            signalled from a transmitter;        -   detecting whether a slope in the power is under or over a            predetermined threshold [e.g., by determining that an            increment in the detected power of the received signal in            respect to the time is greater an upper threshold,            indicating a fast increment of the lower, and/or by            determining that a negative increment in the detected power            of the received signal in respect to the time is lower than            a negative lower threshold, indicating a fast decrease of            the detected power];

In the first mode, the controller unit 654, 650 may determine if asample power lies within a limited interval [e.g. on the basis of powermeasurements], without considering information encoded in the signal. Inthe second mode, [e.g., initiated in correspondence with the end of thefirst mode] the controller unit 654, 650 does both:

-   -   It determines if the power sample lies within a limited interval        [e.g. on the basis of power measurements]; and    -   it verifies the correctness of the determination on the basis of        whether information encoded in the received signal is compliant        to a recognition of a transmission to be received on the basis        of the power.

In examples above, reference is often made to power (e.g., values suchas p_(act)[i]). However, the power values may be substituted in someexamples by values of a quantity associated to the power, such as aninfinite impulse response, IIR,-filtered version of the power.

In some examples, techniques of the second aspect may be independentfrom techniques of the first aspect. For example, the control unit 654,650 may be used even without the replacement timing provider 640. FIG.6d shows an example of a processing 600′ in which, when no-illuminationis detected, no replacement timing information 642 is provided. In thatcase, the last sample timing information 638 as provided by the loopfilter 636 may be frozen.

A discussion on the techniques described above is here carried out.

In one embodiment, the controller unit 650, 654 relies only on thefeedback of the power level detector and analyzer 656. This a robustconfiguration because it is non-data aided and not sensitive tosynchronization offsets w.r.t. timing or frequency. Therefore, this isthe baseline and fallback solution if other more precise methods fail.For example, the power level detector and analyzer tracks and providesall information about the different power levels detected as well asnotification about power level end or start.

In other embodiments, the freeze control (optionally) evaluates alsoexchanged data with the block “further data processing”, as shown inFIG. 6. For example, a preamble/known sequence detection algorithmprovides information about detection events. Since the preamble will beincluded in the signal at least at the beginning of each illumination,this may help to signal freezing OFF earlier than waiting for the powerlevel detection signal, which may have some decision delay.

The preamble detection may (optionally) also be used in combination oras verification of the “end of low power level” information from thepower level detection.

On the other hand, the freeze control may (optionally) forward itsfreeze signals also to the block “further data processing” 620, wheremodules may need it to cope with the bursty input data. This case islikely to happen during acquisition when the terminal is switched ON:

-   -   For example, initially the freeze control relies only on the        power detection until e.g. timing and frequency offsets are        sufficiently compensated. The freeze signal may also        (optionally) be provided to the preamble detection algorithm in        the block “further data processing” so that it can adapt its        preamble detection threshold. Once the detection threshold is        converged, the preamble detection events may optionally be        feedback to the freeze control.

In further embodiments, also information about measured SNR and/orsignaled information via the satellite signal aboutbeam-ID/coverage-ID/BSTP status and updates etc. is received from theblock “further data processing”. It can be forwarding to other moduleslike the replacement value calculation for reconfiguration. In additionto that the freeze control may keep this data in a history table to doidentification of the recurring nature of the BSTP and use this forfreezing prediction and/or sleep mode signaling to other modules duringabsence of illumination.

As mentioned above, the power level detector and analyzer is thebaseline algorithm feeding the freeze control. It may use the receivesignal before AGC as shown in FIG. 6. This makes sense since the powerlevel detector and analyzer will not get confused when the AGC scalesthe signal up or down according to its control target. In case of veryslow AGC adaptation or other means to compensate for the AGC powerscaling effect, the power level analyzer can be placed also after theAGC. Furthermore, it may optionally be placed after the matched filterto limit the incoming noise power to the power level analyzer. Since theAGC anyway calculates the power of the receive signal and doesaveraging, the power level analyzer can optionally be placed within theAGC as well to save resources.

While the two approaches discussed above search for identifying thestart and end of illumination directly (detection of rising/fallingedge), the invented approach searches for power levels. According to aconfigurable snapshot distance, these snapshots are compared whetherconsecutive snapshots lie within a configurable margin. As shown in FIG.7, this works well for analyzing both averages, IIR1 and IIR2. Since ashort history of (for example, but not necessarily, minimum 2) snapshotsmay be helpful for power level detection, end of power level can beidentified immediately, while start of power level decision may bedelayed by the used history length. For the example of FIG. 7, a historyof 2 snapshots is considered and compared against the actual snapshot.Note that longer history allows to be more error tolerant, if one (ormore) snapshot(s) is/are by chance out of margin.

More specifically, snapshots from the smoothed power envelopes of twoIIR filters are considered, i.e. actual snapshotp_(act)[i]=p_(IIR1)[k=i·Δk] or p_(IIR2)[k=i·Δk], where Δk denotes aconfigurable time interval between two snapshots. Identifying constantpower levels (within some margin) and the duration of these power levelsworks as follows:

-   -   Snapshot counter i    -   Analyse snapshots p_(act)[i] w.r.t. constant power levels        considering a sliding history of e.g. two snapshots. Evaluate        for each i the interval check criterion        p_(act)[i]∈[p_(act)[i−1]±p_(margin)[1]]∩p_(act)[i]∈[p_(act)[i−2]±p_(margin)[2]]        -   If criterion is met, mark these three indices as “power            level found”. If met for the first time, set Indices:            i_(first)=i.        -   If equation does not hold any more=“power level end”.            -   Then i_(last)=i    -   At each power level end, store data to a list:        -   Mean over N detected power levels:

${\overset{\_}{p}}_{level} = {\frac{1}{N}{\sum\limits_{n = {1\mspace{14mu}\ldots\mspace{14mu} N}}{p_{act}\left\lbrack {i - n} \right\rbrack}}}$

-   -   -   Calculate power level duration from i_(first) and i_(last)

    -   List analyser does on every update:        -   Checks and calculates duration of power level w.r.t.            multiples super-frames            -   E.g. erroneously separated power levels of same level p                _(level,A)≈p _(level,B) can be identified and                re-combined.        -   Performs pattern analyses to identify a BSTP period and            number of different illuminations/beams detected        -   Potential collection of additional information available            from other modules like SNR and Coverage-ID per each            illumination        -   Consistency checks like one coverage-ID per power level can            be done as well.

For the results in FIG. 7, a relative margin for power level detectionof 2% is used.

-   I.e. p_(margin)[x]=p_(act)[i−x]·2% with x=1, 2.

As an optional extension to the pure detection of power levels and theirstart and end, a power level analyzer stores the identified power levels(average power of the snapshots or representative snapshot values) andmakes sanity checks: E.g. the length of power level compared to thegranularity of illumination duration. The analyzer can, for example,also do identification of recurring power levels and power levelpatterns. With this information the freeze control can optionallycross-check against BSTP information. Moreover, this identification canoptionally be used to verify the signaling of start and end of powerlevel as well as the events start of illumination (rising power afterverified low power level) and/or end of illumination (falling powerafter verified high power level). Therefore, different power levels ofdifferent beams, as shown in FIG. 2A can be distinguished and tracked.

Of course, this approach can optionally be combined with the abovementioned threshold-based detector. E.g. the event end of power levelcan be cross-checked against thresholds, which can, for example, eitherbe calculated from min/max powers or other snapshot power values storedin the analyzer. The power level detector and analyzer can optionallyalso be used in combination with the slope-based detector, to verifydetections.

Note that possible power detection delay (between real rising edge ofpower and detection of the rising edge) is not critical thanks to thehighly accurate timing extrapolation by the replacement value. Asmentioned above, the freezing ON/OFF trigger can optionally also berelated to known sequence detection feedback as soon as available.

A further optional extension of the power level detector and analyzeremploys another threshold/interval comparison to enhance the abovementioned decision delay due to averaging. It detects the “leaving/endof a power level”. The event “actual power value is significantly awayfrom recently tracked power level” is interpreted as “start of new powerlevel”, which is often called negative indication. Note that the pureinterpretation of “leaving/end of a power level” as “start of new powerlevel” only based on the power level detection without the additionalthreshold provides no reliable decision and check whether there is asignificantly changing power ongoing or not.

And in order to determine, what is significant, the additionalthreshold/interval is used (relative to recent power level or previouspower values). This threshold/interval is of course bigger than themargin used for power level detection. This approach is shown in thefigure below, where the decision delay enhancement is reflected. As canbe seen from the figure, the cases “rising power” and “falling power”can be distinguished depending on which threshold is hit.

FIG. 6c shows an example of the control unit 650, 654. The powerdetector 654 may receive an input, for example from the matched filter608, to obtain a version 610 of the input signal 602 (different versionof the input signals may be used in other examples, e.g. signal takenfrom before the matched filter 606). The power detector 654 may comprisea power sample measurer 6540, which may, for example, obtain a sample6542 (e.g., p_(act)[i]) associated to the current sample of the version610 of the signal 602. The power sample measurer 6540 may provide, inaddition or in alternative, an filtered or averaged version of thepower. The power sample measurer 6540 may comprise a sample counter6544, which may provide a current index 6546 of the present sample ofthe version 610 of the signal 602. The sample counter 6544 may count,for example, how many consecutive power samples are within the interval744 and/or how may samples 748 are out of the current interval 744. Thepower detector 654 may comprise a power level definer which determinesthe current power level from the samples 6542 and the current index6546. The power level definer 6548 may therefore provide a powerinformation 656 to be provided to the freezing controller 650. Thefreezing controller 650 may comprise a scheduler 6550 which may obtainscheduling information 6552 from the power information 656. (Thescheduler 6550 may also obtain, in some examples, information from othercomponents, such as from signalling.) A switch controller 6554 mayobtain the scheduling information 6552 and the power information 656. Insome examples, the switch controller 6554 may check whether the currentpower level is compliant to the scheduling information 6552. On thebasis of the scheduling information and/or the power information 656,the switch controller 6554 may determine whether the receiver iscurrently illuminated or not (and/or fulfils the predeterminedcondition). On the basis of the scheduling information and/or the powerinformation 656, the switch controller 6554 may actuate the switch 644,so as to perform a selection between a provision of the feedback signal638 to the timing interpolator 604 and a provision of the replacementsample timing information 642 to the timing interpolator 604.

Innovative Aspect 3: Framing Verification and Correction to TackleSporadic Symbol Offsets

The signal processing 600 of the receiver (e.g., 110, 112, 114) maycomprise a further data processing block 620, which is represented indetail in FIG. 8. Timing loop components of the processing 600 may beunderstood as being included in block 680 cf. FIG. 6 (or “burst-modecapable timing loop”).

It is now examples how frames may be re recognized from sequences ofsymbols. Data 618 are provided from the block 680 to the block 620, forexample in the form of a succession of symbols. The block 620 maycomprise, for example, a preamble detector 802 and/or a framingverification and correction block 808 (framing verification andcorrection). The blocks 802 and 808 may form a data processor 820 whichidentifies the start and end of frames in the sequence of frames. Theblock 802 may provide the block 808 with symbols in ordered sequences804 which may be, for example, frame candidates. The block 802 (whichmay be a preamble detector) may perform known strategies, such as, forexample, recognizing particular sequences (e.g., a preamble in theheader of a frame) which are assumed to be uniquely positioned in fixedfields of the frames (e.g., according to a particular standard,protocol, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the block 802 maycompare the time instant at which a new frame is expected.

The start of each frame or data field within the frame may be signalledby block 802 using signal 806, for example. The signal 806 may be abinary signaling information flags (framing data flag), which may besynchronous to the symbols. Each flag/bit may mark a different field.E.g. the flag may be 1 in presence of pilot symbols (e.g., when a pilotsequence is determined), while the flag may be 0 in absence of pilotsymbols (e.g., when a pilot sequence is not determined anymore, e.g., inthe presence of payload). At a start-of-frame, the flag may therefore be1 and may be maintained at 1 for all the initial symbols of the frame,while the flag may return to 0 when the pilot sequence is ended.

An example is provided by FIG. 10. Here, a sequence of symbols S0, S1, .. . , SM, S(M+1), S(M+2) . . . is sequentially obtained by the block 808from the block 802. The block 802 has recognized a start of a frame(e.g., by analyzing the preamble or by the fact that the first symbol isassociated to the expected time instant) at symbol S1. Therefore, block808 may evaluate:

-   -   the first frame candidate 1000, constituted by the sequence S1 .        . . SM (and is associated with the signal 806);    -   a second frame candidate 1002, constituted by the sequence S0 .        . . S(M−1) (and shifted for one symbol before the first symbol        of the first frame candidate 1000 and its signalling via signal        806);    -   another second frame candidate 1004, constituted by the sequence        S2 . . . S(M+1) (and shifted for one symbol after the first        symbol of the first frame candidate 1000 and its signalling via        signal 806).

The block 808 may evaluate properties of the signal 804 with respect toframe candidates 1000-1004 so as to identify which is the correct startof frame among the candidates. The block 808 may perform hypothesistesting.

For example, the block 808 may perform correlation processes on thesignal 804 with respect to candidates, so as to recognize the mostsuitable one.

For example, the block 808 may perform cross correlation processesbetween each frame candidate and a known sequence of symbols (e.g., theexpected preamble), so as to identify the correct frame on the basis ofthe cross correlation processes. With the correlation process it ispossible to understand which frame candidate is the correct frame withhighest probability.

In examples, the block 808 may demodulate and/or decode a frame headerof the first and second frame candidates, re-modulate and/or re-encodethe sequence of symbols, and perform the cross correlation processesbetween each frame candidate frame header and the re-modulated and/orre-encoded version of the frame candidate frame header, so as toidentify the correct frame on the basis of the cross correlationprocesses. This is of particular relevance if there is no known sequenceavailable for verification. Commonly the frame header decoding is muchless complex than frame data decoding (using much longer code words).

In some examples, it is possible to compare the amplitude and/or thephase (e.g., the complex phase) with an expected amplitude and/or phase,for example. If a candidate has not the correct phase or correctamplitude (or an amplitude or phase within a predetermined range), theframe candidate may be discarded. Hence, the frame candidate with thephase and/or amplitude which is most similar to the expected phaseand/or amplitude will be identified as correct.

If one of the second frame candidates 1002 and 1004 is identified as thecorrect frame, the framing signalling 806 is shifted so as to be in thecorrect position corresponding to the expected time instant. Then thisupdated and verified signalling is referred to as 812 (correct framingdata flag).

With reference to the methods for which the cross correlation processesare performed, FIG. 9 shows some validation strategies which may permitto validate the identified correct frame.

It is possible to validate the correct frame, for example, by performingcomparisons in the cross correlation amplitudes.

Examples of validation are provided in FIG. 9 with reference to theexamples of FIG. 10. In abscissa there is provided the obtained crosscorrelation value. In FIG. 9a , the detected start of frame is the firstof the second frame candidates 1002 (which is shifted of one symbolbefore, i.e. “−1”). In FIG. 9b , the detected start of frame is thefirst frame candidate 1000 (as correctly indicated by the block 802). InFIG. 9c , the detected start of frame is the frame candidate 1004 (whichis shifted of one symbol after, i.e. “+1”). In the three cases, theidentified frame shift is validated, as the correct frame is the onlyframe with cross correlation value larger than a threshold 902, whilethe incorrect candidates have cross correlations below the threshold902. When the correct candidate is validated, the frame may be decoded.

FIG. 9d shows an error state, in which the values of the crosscorrelations of all the candidates are within a range defined by asmaller predetermined threshold 904 and a larger predetermined threshold906. In this case, an error notification is transmitted, as it is notpossible to identify the correct frame.

FIG. 9e shows an intermediate timing synchronization state in which twocandidates (1002, 1000) have cross correlations larger than a largerpredetermined threshold 910 (which in examples may be the same of thethreshold 906 or 902), while one candidate (1004) has cross correlationsmaller that a predetermined threshold 908 (which in examples may be thesame of the threshold 904).

The validated frames 810 (together with the validated and correctedframe signalling 812) may be provided to further data processing modules814 which may use the information contained in the received (anddecoded) data.

In some examples, the validation of a correct frame alignment withrespect to the signalling 806 may trigger the transmission of anotification 840 (which may be understood as the communication 660 orpart of it) to the freezing controller 650, which may therefore use thisinformation for the purposes of controlling the other components of theprocessing 600. In particular, the freezing controller 650 may use thenotification 840 (660) to verify the power level 656 as detected by thepower detector 654. On the basis of the notification 840 (660) and/or ofthe detected power 656, the freezing controller 650 may also switchbetween the feedback mode and the replacement value provision mode(and/or the intermediate mode).

Notably, however, the block 620 may also be deactivated by the command842 (660), which may be sent by the freezing controller 650, e.g., whennon-illuminated status is identified. Therefore, the block 620 will notdecode useless data when the controller unit 650, 654 determines thenon-illumination of the receiver (e.g., 110-114).

A discussion on the third inventive aspect is now provided.

As shown in Fig., the additional module “Framing Verification andCorrection” 808 is placed directly after the preamble sequence detection802. It receives the data symbols 804 as well as the correspondingframing information 806 generated in the preamble detector 802. As thisinformation can be inaccurate as already explained, the module “FramingVerification and Correction” 808 checks the framing information 806.Different types of framing check methods can be:

-   -   Detection of another data sequence (known to the receiver)        appearing (once or repetitively) after the preamble sequence:        -   For example a cross correlation can be applied. Here, a low            complexity implementation can be achieved by exploiting that            another data sequence is expected to appear only in the            range of +/−1 symbol around the nominally expected time            instance signaled by the framing information. In this case,            three correlation results are then compared in amplitude.            Symbol offset detection decision is made based on the            largest of the three correlation amplitudes.    -   Production of another data sequence for comparison:        -   For example by demodulation & decoding of a received code            word and re-encoding & modulation of this code word at the            different framing hypotheses with respective symbol offsets            −1, 0, +1. Then, the above mentioned cross correlation            method is used, where each received code word hypothesis is            correlated with its corresponding re-encoded & modulated            code word version. Then, symbol offset detection decision is            made again based on the largest of the three correlation            amplitudes.    -   Detecting change in data characteristics:        -   For example the amplitude or the complex phase of the            received signal changes in such an expectable manner that a            detector can determine the correct time instant of change            and compares it against the framing information to determine            the symbol offset.

Having identified a non-zero symbol offset, correction can beaccomplished either by insertion/deletion of data symbols (modification804→810) or by a correcting shift of the framing information(modification 806→812). The latter correction is shown in FIG. 8 whereinformation 812 is called “correct framing data flags”.

Of course, further checks and analyses can be made on top of onlydeciding for the maximum amplitude hypothesis. This is visualized inFIG. 9, where different detection cases and applied thresholds areshown. Although the following description of analyses considers theactual hypothesis correlation amplitudes, the history of them can betaken into account as well.

-   -   “Peak Validation” by testing that the lower two correlation        amplitudes are below a threshold derived from the current (and        potentially also previous) maximum correlation amplitude. Thus,        the three detection cases in FIGS. 9a ), b), and c) are        validated because below the dash-dotted threshold line.    -   “Timing Convergence Ongoing”        -   If there is a second correlation amplitude very close to the            maximum correlation amplitude as shown in FIG. 9e ), it            reflects that the correct sampling time instant should be in            between the two high correlation amplitude. This means that            the timing synchronization has not yet settled and            convergence is ongoing. The first threshold is needed to            identify the second high correlation amplitude and the            second threshold is needed to distinguish this case from the            error case of FIG. 9d ).    -   “Error” if all three amplitudes exhibit very similar values        within a confidence interval (i.e. upper and lower threshold).        This can happen due to larger symbol offset than covered by the        amount of hypotheses or no signal is present. Also implausible        amplitude values will lead to “Error” like two very high        correlation amplitudes at symbol offsets +1 and −1 while low        value at 0.

Of course, the flow of data has to be buffered until the decision isavailable and correction can be applied.

Possible Aspects (Optionally Usable in Embodiments of the Invention,Individually or in Combination):

-   -   Timing loop concepts, cf. [7] and [8]        -   Using DA- or NDA-timing error detectors, and/or        -   Using loop filters and averaging of timing error signal,            and/or        -   Freezing the timing loop feedback so that the interpolator            keeps running according to latest feedback value    -   Freezing the AGC scaling adaptation    -   Power detection focused on rise/falling edge detection, e.g.        threshold-based or slope-based    -   Algorithms for Preamble/known sequence detection, c.f. e.g. [9]

Inventive Aspects (Usable Individually or in Combination With Any of theEmbodiments Described Herein):

-   -   Main Aspect: Calculate a replacement value from the loop filter        output signal and/or a loop filter internal signal and apply        this value instead of the instantaneous loop filter output, when        the freeze signal is set ON. Optionally prepare        re-initialization information for the loop filter re-activation.        Optionally switch back when freeze signal is OFF and loop filter        restarts processing based on the re-initialization information.        -   Optionally configurable w.r.t. snapshot distance depending            e.g. on the used roll-off        -   Optionally use enhanced bit-width for the NCO input compared            to standard approach    -   Freezing Control (sub-aspect, useable in combination with the        main aspect but also useable individually) can be driven by        power-level detection plus (optionally) any combination of the        other following methods. Note that “combination” can be either        joint/simultaneous usage (e.g. with changing priorization) or        consecutive usage or even both.        -   Power detection that identifies power levels (baseline for            acquisition because robust but delay) rather than exact            start and end of illumination            -   Optionally Tracks history of previously identified power                levels to rate actual detections            -   Optionally Adaptive threshold calculations and updates            -   Optionally Use power detection also for cross-check of                valid freezing ON/OFF            -   Optionally enhanced detection delay by applying a                further threshold/interval check to identify significant                power change to have early indication on start of new                power level.        -   Preamble/known sequence detection (in tracking mode)            -   Freezing control can optionally also drive an adaptive                threshold calculation freeze of the preamble/known                sequence detection algorithm based on power detection                info!        -   Internal triggers for freezing signal ON/OFF like counters            (¾ of a super-frame)        -   External indicators/triggers for freezing signal ON/OFF    -   Freezing Control additional optional features (one or more        features can optionally be used)        -   Controller can also be used to signal sleep mode to other            modules of the receiver.            -   For this, illumination statistics of the history and/or                signaled side information can optionally be used to                assure not missing an illumination.        -   Ability to detect and distinguish between bursty or            continuous signal reception:            -   Bursty signal reception:                -   Reception of one or multiple illuminations of one or                    different coverages is optionally identified by                    evaluating the history of detected power levels.                    From this statistics, for example, the strongest                    power levels can be recognized and are used to                    un-freeze and adapt. Complementary information about                    measured SNR or correlation peak detections and peak                    amplitude or signaled information like coverage-ID                    can be taken into account for joint evaluation and                    for fine tracking of the differences.            -   Continuous signal reception:                -   If the power level detection does not detect a                    change in power levels or significantly different                    power levels, for example, first the hypothesis is                    tested that a continuous signal may be received. So                    freezing is set OFF to start the timing loop and                    e.g. a preamble/known sequence detection algorithm                    is applied to confirm the hypothesis. If negative,                    only noise but no signal is received.    -   Above concepts, where timing loop configuration can be        modified/adjustable:        -   Loop filter configuration: Higher loop gain for faster            convergence during an initial time duration; and/or        -   Loop filter configuration: Higher loop gain for faster            convergence in case of higher SNR and less loop gain in case            of lower SNR; and/or        -   Timing-Error Detector: Switching calculation mode/principle,            e.g. between NDA- and DA-mode    -   Supporting module for assuring correct framing synchronization        -   Implementation exploiting that only very few symbol offset            hypothesis have to be checked, e.g. three in case of            checking symbol offsets −1, 0, +1 with respect to expected            framing after timing loop convergence        -   Rating of the decision of the derived hypothesis by sanity            checks: “Peak Validation” and/or “Timing Convergence            Ongoing” and/or “Error”.

Implementation Alternatives

Depending on certain implementation requirements, examples may beimplemented in hardware. The implementation may be performed using adigital storage medium, for example a floppy disk, a Digital VersatileDisc (DVD), a Blu-Ray Disc, a Compact Disc (CD), a Read-only Memory(ROM), a Programmable Read-only Memory (PROM), an Erasable andProgrammable Read-only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) or a flash memory, havingelectronically readable control signals stored thereon, which cooperate(or are capable of cooperating) with a programmable computer system suchthat the respective method is performed. Therefore, the digital storagemedium may be computer readable.

Generally, examples may be implemented as a computer program productwith program instructions, the program instructions being operative forperforming one of the methods when the computer program product runs ona computer. The program instructions may for example be stored on amachine readable medium.

Other examples comprise the computer program for performing one of themethods described herein, stored on a machine readable carrier. In otherwords, an example of method is, therefore, a computer program having aprogram instructions for performing one of the methods described herein,when the computer program runs on a computer.

A further example of the methods is, therefore, a data carrier medium(or a digital storage medium, or a computer-readable medium) comprising,recorded thereon, the computer program for performing one of the methodsdescribed herein. The data carrier medium, the digital storage medium orthe recorded medium are tangible and/or non-transitionary, rather thansignals which are intangible and transitory.

A further example comprises a processing unit, for example a computer,or a programmable logic device performing one of the methods describedherein.

A further example comprises a computer having installed thereon thecomputer program for performing one of the methods described herein.

A further example comprises an apparatus or a system transferring (forexample, electronically or optically) a computer program for performingone of the methods described herein to a receiver. The receiver may, forexample, be a computer, a mobile device, a memory device or the like.The apparatus or system may, for example, comprise a file server fortransferring the computer program to the receiver.

In some examples, a programmable logic device (for example, a fieldprogrammable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of thefunctionalities of the methods described herein. In some examples, afield programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor inorder to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, themethods may be performed by any appropriate hardware apparatus.

Examples above may refer to wireless transmissions, such as radiofrequency (e.g., RF) transmissions.

While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments,there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents which fall withinthe scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are manyalternative ways of implementing the methods and compositions of thepresent invention. It is therefore intended that the following appendedclaims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutationsand equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

REFERENCES

-   [1] J. Anzalchi, A. Couchman, C. Topping, P. Gabellini, G.    Gallinaro, L. D'Agristina, P. Angeletti, N. Alagha, A. Vernucci,    “Beam Hopping in Multi-Beam Broadband Satellite Systems,” 2010 5th    Advanced Satellite Multimedia Systems (ASMS) Conference and the 11th    Signal Processing for Space Communications (SPSC) Workshop,    Cagliari, 2010, pp. 248-255.-   [2] X. Alberti and J. M. Cebrian and A. Del Bianco and Z. Katona    and J. Lei and M. A. Vazquez-Castro and A. Zanus and L. Gilbert    and N. Alagha, “System capacity optimization in time and frequency    for multibeam multi-media satellite systems,” 2010 5th Advanced    Satellite Multimedia Systems Conference and the 11th Signal    Processing for Space Communications Workshop, Cagliari, 2010, pp.    226-233.-   [3] H. Fenech; S. Amos, Eutelsat Quantum-a Game Changer, 33rd AIAA    International Communications Satellite Systems Conference (ICSSC),    QT Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast QLD Australia, 7-10 Sep. 2015.-   [4] E. Feltrin, S. Amos, H. Fenech, E. Weller, “Eutelsat    Quantum-Class Satellite: Beam Hopping”, 3rd ESA Workshop on Advanced    Flexible Telecom Payloads. March 2016.-   [5] ETSI EN 302 307-2 V1.1.1 (2014-10), Digital Video Broadcasting    (DVB); Second generation framing structure, channel coding and    modulation systems ( . . . ); Part 2: DVB-S2 Extension (DVB-S2X).-   [6] C. Rohde, R. Wansch, G. Mocker, S. Amos, E. Feltrin, H. Fenech,    “Application of DVB-S2X Super-Framing for Beam-hopping Systems,”    23rd Ka and Broadband Communications Conference, October 2017,    Trieste, Italy.-   [7] Mengali, D'Andrea, “Synchronization Techniques for Digital    Receivers”, Plenum Press, New York, USA, 1997.(Chapter 7+8, pp.    353-476)-   [8] Meyr, Moeneclaey, Fechtel, “Digital Communication Receivers:    Synchronization, Channel Estimation, and Signal Processing”, Wiley    Series in Telecommunications and Signal Processing, John Wiley &    Sons, Inc., New York, USA, 1998 (pp. 79-147, 229-232)-   [9] C. Rohde, N. Alagha, R. De Gaudenzi, H. Stadali, G. Mocker,    “Super-Framing: A Powerful Physical Layer Frame Structure for Next    Generation Satellite Broadband Systems,” Int. Journal of Satellite    Communications and Networking (IJSCN), Wiley Press, vol. 34, no. 3,    pp. 413-438, November 2015, SAT-15-0037.R1. Available:    http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/sat.1153

The invention claimed is:
 1. A controller unit for recognizing atransmission to be received, wherein the controller unit is configuredto: perform a determination whether a power of a receive signal, or aquantity derived from the power, lies within a limited interval, andrecognize the transmission to be received based on the determinationthat the power of the receive signal, or the quantity derived from thepower, lies within the limited interval, and recognize different powerlevels of the receive signal, or of the quantity derived from the power,and periods of time during which the different power levels are present,so as to rank the different time periods to recognize the time periodsfor the transmission to be received and/or to re-configure a receiverdifferently for different time periods.
 2. The controller unit of claim1, configured to identify whether the receive signal comprises a powerlevel associated to a previously determined power interval.
 3. Thecontroller unit of claim 1, configured to determine how long the powerof the receive signal, or the quantity derived from the receive signal,lies within the limited interval, in order to recognize a length of atleast one limited time period during which the receive signal is at apower level associated to the limited interval.
 4. The controller unitof claim 3, configured to check whether the recognized length of thelimited time period during which the receive signal comprises the powerlevel fulfils a predetermined condition, to recognize a transmission tobe received.
 5. The controller unit of claim 1, configured to trackdurations during which the different power levels are present, to derivea scheduling information from the different power levels of the receivesignal.
 6. The controller unit according to claim 5, configured to checkwhether a current power level lies within a limited interval, and todetermine interval boundaries of the limited interval based on thepreviously derived scheduling information.
 7. The controller unitaccording to claim 5, configured to selectively switch a receiver or aprocessing or components of the receiver or of the processing to areduced-power-consumption mode based on the derived schedulinginformation.
 8. The controller unit of claim 1, configured to recognizedifferent power levels of the receive signal, or of the quantity derivedfrom the power, so as to choose, as the time period for the transmissionto be received, a time period with comparatively higher power level withrespect to a time period with comparatively lower power level.
 9. Thecontroller unit of claim 1, configured to store time informationcharacterizing time portions of different levels of the receive signal,and to store information on the power levels of the receive signal, orthe quantity derived from the power, and wherein the controller unit isconfigured to recognize, in subsequent instants, time periods associatedto the transmission to be received based on at least the stored timeinformation.
 10. The controller unit of claim 1 further comprising aspecial activation mode based on the detection of power levels oftransmissions which are not to be received and qualification of thetransmissions which are not to be received.
 11. The controller unit ofclaim 1, configured to recognize a start and/or an end of the period ofthe transmission to be received based on the recognized different powerlevels.
 12. The controller unit of claim 1, configured to decode and/ordetect at least one information encoded in the receive signal, so as todetermine the start and/or the end of a period of a transmission to bereceived.
 13. The controller unit of claim 1, configured to recognize astart and/or an end of the period of the transmission to be received bya redundant or supporting technique, the redundant or supportingtechnique verifying the correctness of the determination, the redundantor supporting technique comprising at least: detecting whether a slopein the power is under or over a predetermined threshold.
 14. Thecontroller unit of claim 1, configured to recognize and/or dynamicallydefine at least one power level based on the determination that at leasttwo consecutive power samples lie within limited intervals associatedwith a particular power level.
 15. The controller unit of claim 1,configured to recognize a continuation of a power level by recognizingthat both the first condition and the second condition are fulfilled:first condition: a current sample of a power of a receive signal, or ofa quantity derived from the power, lying within an interval determinedby a first preceding sample of the power of the receive signal, or ofthe quantity derived from the power, and second condition: the currentsample of the power of the receive signal, or of the quantity derivedfrom the power, also lying within an interval determined by a secondpreceding sample of the power of a receive signal, or of the quantityderived from the power.
 16. The controller unit according to claim 1,configured to tolerate a predetermined number of consecutive samples ofthe power of the receive signal, or of the quantity derived from thepower, which do not fulfil the first condition and/or the secondcondition without recognizing an end of a power level, and to recognizean end of a power level if more than the predetermined number ofconsecutive samples of the power of the receive signal, or of thequantity derived from the power, do not fulfil the first condition orthe second condition.
 17. The controller unit of claim 1, configured toalso determine whether a current sample of a power of a receive signal,or of a quantity derived from the power, lies outside of a toleranceinterval, which is larger than an interval determined by a directlypreceding sample of the power of the receive signal, or of the quantityderived from the power, and wherein the controller unit is configured torecognize an end of a power level when the current sample of the powerof a receive signal, or of the quantity derived from the power, liesoutside of the tolerance interval for the first time.
 18. The controllerunit of claim 1, further configured to operate according at least afirst and a second operational mode, wherein in at least one of thefirst and second operational modes the controller unit is configured toperform at least one of the following techniques: determining if a powerof a receive signal, or a quantity derived from the power lies within alimited interval; verifying if a power is determined at an expected timeperiod; decoding or detecting a particular information encoded in thesignal to be received; checking quality information; checking afulfilment of criteria according to information signalled from atransmitter; detecting whether a slope in the power is under or over apredetermined threshold; wherein the controller unit is configured touse at least one different technique in the first operational mode withrespect to the second operational mode.
 19. The controller unit of claim1, configured to operate according to at least two operational modes: afirst mode in which the controller unit determines if a power of thereceive signal, or the quantity derived from the power, lies within alimited interval, without considering information encoded in the signal;and a second mode in which the controller unit performs both thefollowing operations: determining whether a power of the receive signal,or the quantity derived from the power, lies within a limited interval;and verifying the correctness of the determination based on whetherinformation encoded in the received signal is compliant to a recognitionof a transmission to be received based on the power.
 20. The controllerunit of claim 1, configured to derive or acquire, from an automatic gaincontrol, AGC, and/or matched filter a quantity derived from the power.21. The controller unit of claim 1, wherein the quantity associated tothe power is an infinite impulse response, IIR,-filtered version of apower information.
 22. The controller unit of claim 1, configured toperform an initialization procedure to acquire parameters associated toat least one or a combination of: power so as to determine at least onepower level to be subsequently used to recognize a transmission to bereceived; time information; quality information; wherein the controllerunit is configured to analyze a temporal evolution of the power, or ofthe quantity derived from the power, over a period of the receive signalin order to perform the initialization, or to receive a signalledinformation in order to perform the initialization.
 23. The controllerunit of claim 1, configured to adaptively modify a lower intervalboundary value and an upper interval boundary value for the power basedon historical values of the power.
 24. The controller unit of claim 1,configured to control a wireless receiver so as to select between: afirst status, in which the feedback path provides the feedback signal tothe adjustable sample provider; and a second status, in which thereplacement value provider provides the replacement sample timinginformation to the adjustable sample provider.
 25. The controller unitof claim 1, configured to control a wireless receiver so as to determinethe predetermined requirement to be fulfilled by the input signal. 26.The controller unit of claim 1, configured to control a wirelessreceiver so as to select that: the feedback path provides the feedbacksignal to the adjustable sample provider when the controller unitrecognizes that the transmission is to be received; and/or thereplacement value provider provides the replacement sample timinginformation to the adjustable sample provider when the controller unitrecognizes no transmission or that the transmission is not atransmission to be received.
 27. The controller unit of claim 9,configured to recognize a start and/or an end of the period of thetransmission to be received by a redundant or supporting technique, theredundant or supporting technique verifying the correctness of thedetermination, the redundant or supporting technique comprising: usingthe stored time information acquired with previous power leveldeterminations.
 28. The controller unit of claim 12, configured torecognize a start and/or an end of the period of the transmission to bereceived by a redundant or supporting technique, the redundant orsupporting technique verifying the correctness of the determination, theredundant or supporting technique comprising: decoding the at least oneinformation encoded in receive signal.
 29. The controller unit of claim1, configured to recognize a start and/or an end of the period of thetransmission to be received by a redundant or supporting technique, theredundant or supporting technique verifying the correctness of thedetermination, the redundant or supporting technique comprising:detecting quality information or deducing the quality information from asignal to noise ratio estimator.
 30. The controller unit of claim 1configured to recognize a start and/or an end of the period of thetransmission to be received by a redundant or supporting technique, theredundant or supporting technique verifying the correctness of thedetermination, the redundant or supporting technique comprising: usingdata signalled from and/or commands from a transmitter.
 31. A method forrecognizing a transmission to be received, comprising: determining if apower of a receive signal, or a quantity derived from the power lieswithin a limited interval, and recognizing the transmission to bereceived based on the determination that the power of the receivesignal, or the quantity derived from the power, lies within the limitedinterval recognizing different power levels of the receive signal, or ofthe quantity derived from the power, and periods of time during whichthe different power levels are present, so as to rank the different timeperiods to recognize the time periods for the transmission to bereceived and/or to re-configure a receiver differently for differenttime periods.
 32. A non-transitory digital storage medium having acomputer program stored thereon to perform the method for recognizing atransmission to be received, comprising: determining if a power of areceive signal, or a quantity derived from the power lies within alimited interval, and recognizing the transmission to be received basedon the determination that the power of the receive signal, or thequantity derived from the power, lies within the limited intervalrecognizing different power levels of the receive signal, or of thequantity derived from the power, and periods of time during which thedifferent power levels are present, so as to rank the different timeperiods to recognize the time periods for the transmission to bereceived and/or to re-configure a receiver differently for differenttime periods, when said computer program is run by a computer.